Today TMZ reported that alternative rock drummer Pete McNeal, 45, was arrested and charged last month in Los Angeles with child sex abuse, and released on $250,000 bail. At a preliminary hearing last Friday, McNeal faced a single felony count for oral copulation and sexual penetration with a child under the age of ten.
As a drummer, McNeal has built an impressive résumé that includes work with Cake from 2001 to 2004, stints with such artists as Mike Doughty and Brett Dennen, as well as recording credit on Norah Jones’ 2009 hit album The Fall.
The Los Angeles Police Department believes that McNeal may have sexually assaulted other victims and released a statement asking for the public to come forward with information related to other possible cases. McNeal was arrested in 2009 in another incident involving attempted molestation of a young girl. The status of that case is presently unknown.
If convicted of having sexual intercourse with a child under ten, McNeal could face a sentence of 25 year to life in prison. Arraignment is set for February 10.