ex-New Found Glory guitarist convicted of indecent exposure

Steve Klein, former guitarist and co-founder of erstwhile pop-punk/melodic hardcore darlings New Found Glory, has accepted a plea agreement pertaining to the lewd conduct and child pornography charges first leveled against him in 2013. Klein faced multiple counts of lewd acts involving underage girls, including contact with intent to commit a sex offense and possession of child pornography. The case has seemingly languished during the intervening six years. According to a report at the San Luis Obispo Tribune, Klein was convicted of felony indecent exposure last month following a plea deal. At a hearing in San Luis Obispo Superior Court on February 9, the 41-year-old Klein agreed to plead "no contest" to the aforementioned charge and the remaining charges were dismissed. As such, Klein will serve no jail time but will be sentenced to two years of probation and must register as a sex offender for at least 10 years. Sentencing is scheduled for March 9. Klein exited New Found Glory in late 2013, shortly before the felony charges became public. Said charges reportedly materialized after his then-wife learned of Klein's online activity and contacted authorities. Klein's attorney, Ilan Funke-Bilu, says the musician looks forward to the next chapter of his life. "He's still writing great songs. He's still writing great music," Funke-Bilu says. "I think the future will be even better now that he can put this case behind him." Additional details on the case are available via The Tribune.