NORWICH – Less than a week after announcing the headline performing artist at Colorscape Chenango, officials are now seeking an alternative after it was discovered the selected artist, Peter Yarrow, was convicted of a sexual crime against a child about 48 years ago.

Yarrow received a presidential pardon in 1981 from President Jimmy Carter.

The long-time artist was convicted of taking indecent liberties with a minor for an offense that occurred in 1969 involving a 14-year-old girl.

According to the Associated Press he was sentenced to three months in jail after pleading guilty March 26, 1970. The incident occurred Aug. 31,1969 and involved the youth and her 17-year-old sister coming to Yarrow’s hotel to get an autograph. According to the AP, Yarrow, who was 32-years-old at the time, answered the door naked and attempted to engage the youths.

In a message sent out Tuesday Colorscape officials said they were unaware of Yarrow’s conviction until this week.

On Tuesday Colorscape Board President Melissa DeCordova released a statement, “Please note that there will be a change to the Colorscape Main Stage lineup this year: Folk music legend Peter Yarrow will not be joining us. When booking this artist we were not aware of news stories about an incident involving Yarrow in 1970. Some members of our community expressed concern, and after further investigation and careful consideration, the decision was made to remove Yarrow from the music schedule. We look forward to announcing a new performer to complete our Main Stage lineup, so please stay tuned.”