Disney suspended, 58-year-old Jon Heely, the director of music publishing late on Friday, The move came after the company was informed he has been charged with three felony counts of child sexual abuse.
“Immediately upon learning of this situation tonight, he has been suspended without pay until the matter is resolved by the courts,” a Disney spokesperson said.
He was arrested and charged with three counts of lewd and lascivious acts on a child, Variety reported. Heeley is accused of abusing two underage girls approximately ten years ago. One alleged victim was 15. The other was abused for four years starting at the age of 11, according to the charges.
He was arrested on Nov. 16 and six days later he was released on $150,000 bail. Heely pleaded not guilty at his arraignment at the San Fernando courthouse on Thursday. He is due back in court on Jan. 10. If convicted, he faces up to nine years and three months in prison.
Heely’s attorney, Robert Helfend, denied the charges. “He vehemently denies these allegations and we will be fighting until the end to clear his name,” Helfend said. “It’s a shame, that’s all I’ve got to say.”
Heely, who oversees the licensing of music from Disney films, pleaded not guilty on Thursday. He faces up to nine years and three months in prison if convicted.
He was suspended from Disney late Friday, with a spokesperson telling Variety, “Immediately upon learning of this situation tonight, he has been suspended without pay until the matter is resolved by the courts.”
Heely’s Twitter bio reads, “Disney Concerts and living to glorify God in all things.”