FAIRFIELD - A former Fairfield music teacher charged with sexually abusing a female student five years ago is scheduled to appear in Fairfield Municipal Court June 21 for a preliminary hearing on the charges.

        Fairfield Municipal Court Judge Joyce Campbell continued the recognizance bond Wednesday for Brian D. Schweikert, 40, of Fairfield. He is charged with one count of sexual battery, a third-degree felony.
       

"Hold judgment'

Schweikert

        Mr. Schweikert is accused of sexual misconduct in connection with at least one incident with a Fairfield Senior High School student in June 1996. If convicted, Mr. Schweikert will face up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.

        Mr. Schweikert did not speak much during his brief court appearance and declined to comment after the proceeding. His lawyer, William Welsh, said additional information would come out in Mr. Schweikert's behalf as the case proceeds.

        “He obviously is an excellent teacher with an excellent reputation,” Mr. Welsh said. “I would hope people would hold judgment and let the process play out. He's devoted 14 years of his life to teaching. Let's wait until the other side of the story (is heard).”
       

Teacher of year in 2000

        Last August Mr. Schweikert was honored as Fairfield's Teacher of the Year 2000. A review of his personnel files shows no negative comment and two letters of praise by families of former students.

        Mr. Schweikert resigned from his teaching position May 25, hours before his arrest.

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