Hollywood Piano Teacher Arrested in Australia Following Guilty Verdict in U.S.

Written by Chantal Gapato  |  November 12, 2025

John Kaleel, a 69-year-old Australian piano teacher who taught in Los Angeles and claimed to have taught students connected to Hollywood, has been arrested in Australia after leaving the United States following a guilty verdict. Earlier this month, a Los Angeles jury found him guilty on multiple counts related to misconduct involving a teenage student.

The alleged incidents date back to 2013 and reportedly included inappropriate physical contact, encouraging prohibited activity through digital communication, and inviting the minor to engage in drug use. Kaleel had previously entered a “no contest” plea in 2016 for committing a lewd act on a teenage student but later tried to withdraw it after realizing the immigration consequences.

Authorities say Kaleel left the United States on October 8, the same day the jury delivered its verdict. U.S. prosecutors immediately issued a fugitive warrant and requested his extradition. He was taken into custody by the Australian Federal Police on October 31. The location of his arrest has not been publicly disclosed.

Kaleel now faces the possibility of being extradited back to the United States, where he could face a substantial prison sentence if convicted. Investigators noted that his former teaching website promoted lessons for students pursuing professional music careers, though some of the claims were unauthorized.