A former Carlsbad dance teacher is facing multiple felony charges after three women came forward alleging they were sexually abused as teenagers nearly a decade ago, according to Carlsbad police. Investigators said 39-year-old Ledarnay Fontenette Luckie was arrested on Thursday and charged with e ight counts of lewd or lascivious acts involving a minor between the ages of 14 and 15. Jail records show he was taken into custody and later released on bond. Police said the investigation began in December when a woman reported she had been sexually abused by her dance instructor as a teenager. Two other former students, now adults, later came forward with similar allegations. All three said the abuse occurred at the Carlsbad Performing Arts Academy, located at the 6000 block of Avenida Encinas in Carlsbad. Luckie previously taught at the now-closed DanceFX in San Marcos and the Carlsbad Performing Arts Academy, according to police and his stepfather. NBC 7 asked Luckie about the dance studios outside his Encinitas home, where he declined to comment. He responded only that he is speaking with a lawyer. His stepfather, Umberto Gonzalez, said he spoke with him earlier in the day. “What did he have to say? That he is not guilty,” Gonzalez said. Gonzalez also expressed disbelief over the allegations. “It’s just not of his character to do that,” Gonzalez said. He confirmed Luckie’s past involvement in local dance studios. “I knew him when he was dancing and all that. He had a studio in Carlsbad and another one in San Marcos,” Gonzalez said. Employees at the Carlsbad Performing Arts Academy said the studio was under different ownership when Luckie worked there and that current staff members do not remember him. Despite the allegations, parents picking up and dropping off their children at the studio said they were not concerned and described the academy positively. Carlsbad police said the investigation remains ongoing and are asking anyone with additional information or potential victims to come forward. Gonzalez questioned the accusations. “Why would this former student come up with these allegations? That’s a good question. I have no idea,” Gonzalez said. Luckie is scheduled to appear in court on May 6. This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC San Diego. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC San Diego journalist edited the article for publication. ...read more read less