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Saturday, November 14, 2026Nov 14

Ohio State band instructor pleads guilty to sexual battery

FILE - This file booking photo released by the Franklin County (Ohio) Sheriff's Office, shows Christopher Stewart Kitchen, a drum major instructor for Ohio State University's marching band, charged with rape and kidnapping. Kitchen's trial is set to begin Monday, May 16, 2016. (Franklin County Sheriff's Office via AP, File)
FILE - This file booking photo released by the Franklin County (Ohio) Sheriff's Office, shows Christopher Stewart Kitchen, a drum major instructor for Ohio State University's marching band, charged with rape and kidnapping. Kitchen's trial is set to begin Monday, May 16, 2016. (Franklin County Sheriff's Office via AP, File)

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Authorities say an Ohio State University drum major instructor accused of sexually assaulting a student has pleaded guilty to a sexual battery charge.

A Franklin County prosecutor’s spokeswoman says 29-year-old Stewart Kitchen entered the plea Monday in Columbus.

Court documents allege the assault occurred at Kitchen’s Columbus home in April 2015 after Kitchen and the 19-year-old woman went out drinking. He previously pleaded not guilty to charges including rape.

All of the other charges were dismissed as part of the plea bargain.

A message seeking comment was left with Kitchen’s attorney.