Secret Recordings Of People Recovered From Late Music Teacher's Home, Baltimore County Police Say

TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) -- A 46-year-old music teacher from Baltimore County who committed suicide last month is suspected of secretly recording people inside his Pikesville home, authorities said Monday.

Scott Tiemann, who taught jazz music at the University of Maryland Baltimore County and at several private schools in the area including the McDonogh School, died April 5, according to a copy of his obituary. No cause of death was listed.

Now, police are looking for potential victims of the music teacher.

As part of a recent investigation, detectives recovered multiple recordings of people that were taken without their knowledge inside Tiemann's home, where he taught private music lessons, Baltimore County Police said.

"There were security cameras placed in what we would consider a private area. The individuals were going to what we would consider a private area and they'd be recorded without their permission," Baltimore County Police Detective Trae Corbin told WJZ Investigator Mike Hellgren. "We have recovered surveillance footage and our forensic unit is actually combing through that evidence right now."

Detective Corbin said there are at least seven victims. He told Hellgren how the investigation unfolded. "They were found through one of the victims who observed one of the cameras and told a social worker they were being recorded."

Investigators said they have no reason to believe anyone was recorded outside of Tiemann's home. Detectives are asking that anyone who visited the home between Jan. 1 and April 5 to come forward by calling 410-887-6777.

Police said they're working with school administrators to offer support to students and staff in the wake of Tiemann's death and the investigation's findings.

Tiemann's biography has been removed from UMBC's website. A cached copy of the biography describes him as a Baltimore-based "musician, instrument builder and occupational therapy professional" who was a member of the university's jazz faculty and a private instructor of percussion for the McDonogh School.

Tiemann taught at the McDonogh School from 2014 to 2018 according to a statement from the school, which said the incidents are not associated with Tiemann's role there.

There was no answer Monday at the Pikesville address listed for Tiemann, but a sign posted on the door stated: "All classes canceled until further notice."

This is the letter McDonough sent to parents:

"Dear McDonogh Parents,  I am writing to inform you that the Baltimore County Police Department has just issued a press release regarding conduct by Scott Tiemann at his home. As some of you may know, Mr. Tiemann was an instructor in our private music program from 2014 to 2018, and he died suddenly in early April. While the information disclosed is not associated with Mr. Tiemann's role at the School, I feel that it is important to make you aware of the situation.

You can read the press release here. 

This is undoubtedly distressing news. The Police Department has indicated that they are prepared to recommend professional counseling services to anyone in need of support. Additionally, resources and trained counselors are available at any time through The Family Tree (800-243-7337) or The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline (800-422-4453). 

If you have questions about the press release or the investigation, I encourage you to contact the Baltimore County Police Department at 410-887-6777."

Tiemann also worked at Park School in an after school music program and as a substitute instructor in middle school band. The school says none of its students are confirmed to have been recorded and told parents, "Recording individuals without their knowledge represents a fundamental betrayal of trust that impacts not only Tiemann's victims and their families, but members of the greater community."

At UMBC, Tiemann was a part time instructor in the music department from 2012-2015 and from 2018-2022.

Students are in disbelief.

"It's kind of crazy to be honest. I'm at a loss for words right now," said one student who declined to give his name. A UMBC junior said she felt the campus should have been notified. 

"It's complicated. It's shameful. This is a safe place for students."

Police are looking to contact students who received private lessons from Tiemann from January to April. Anyone with information can contact detectives at 410-887-6777.

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• Baltimore County