KC and the Sunshine band co-founder charged with sex offence

The co-founder of 70s hit-makers KC and the Sunshine Band has been arrested on charges that he had sex with teenage boys. Richard R Finch, the band's former bassist, was reportedly brought in for questioning after a 17-year-old musician told Ohio police they had sex at the 56-year-old's home. "[The alleged victim] had heard of [Finch's] successful career and met him through music contacts," sergeant Chris Slayman told the Newark Advocate. When interviewed by police, Finch allegedly admitted to having sexual relations with several boys, from 13 to 17-years-old. He was charged with one count of gross sexual imposition. A statement posted to Finch's website called the reports "unfounded", promising the Sunshine Band-member would be "vindicated ... [in] due process". Harry Wayne Casey, the Sunshine Band's very own KC, was quick to distance himself from his former band-mate. "Finch has continuously held on to the illusion and given the impression that his contribution [to KC and the Sunshine Band] was much more integral than it actually was," he wrote yesterday . "I created KC and the Sunshine Band in 1973. Mr Finch subsequently joined a year later. While his talent contributed to the early success of the KCSB sound, his involvement ended in 1980." In other words, while Finch was an important contributor to the Band's biggest hits – wedding-party staples like That's the Way (I Like It) and (Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty – he has not been a member for 30 years. "Our hearts go out to the alleged victims and their families," Casey said. Finch, 56, reportedly moved to Newark, Ohio about four years ago. He had launched a new business mentoring young musicians and bands. Prosecutors in Licking County are now considering bringing additional charges against the bassist, a representative told the Advocate. These may include further charges of gross sexual imposition, sexual imposition, importuning and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.