Renowned Concert Pianist David Oei Accused Of Fondling 15-Year-Old Student

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- David Oei is famous for his work as a concert pianist – appearing with the New York Philharmonic and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and making numerous television appearances and recordings.

But on Monday night, he stood accused of fondling one of his piano students.

As CBS2's Valerie Castro reported, Oei, 64, left the NYPD Special Victims Unit in East Harlem Monday afternoon in handcuffs.

Police sources told CBS2 Oei was charged with forcible touching and acting in a manner injurious to a child. The renowned classical piano player and teacher was specifically accused of fondling a female student in March, source said.

Police sources said the incident happened inside Oei's Midtown home, while he was giving the 15-year-old girl a music lesson.

His wife answered their door at their home on West 57th Street Monday night. She said he had talked to her husband since he was arrested.

"I don't want to talk about it, OK? I'm sorry, nothing to say," she said. "I believe him innocent."

She went on to say he is an honorable man.

Oei has been giving the student lessons since September of last year, sources said. Although the incident allegedly happened in March, the victim and her mother reportedly notified police over the weekend.

Oei is an instructor at the New School's Mannes College of Music Prep on the Upper West Side.

The New School released a statement saying it could not comment on the incident, but said, "We have strict policies regarding faculty conduct and we are cooperating fully with the investigation."