Karate Instructor, Former Cop Pleads Guilty to Sexually Assaulting Students
A 41-year-old New Jersey martial arts teacher pleaded guilty to having sex with two of his underage female students, according to a report. The teacher was also a New York City police officer who was suspended from the department following his arrest. The man pleaded guilty to three counts of transporting minors across state lines for the purpose of having sex with them, which is a felony under the federal Mann Act. The man met the victims through his martial arts studios in West Milford, New Jersey and Middletown, the report said.
The man faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison for one count of the New Jersey sex crimes covered by his plea and 10 years for each of the other two counts. The five-year sentence involves a case from 2003 when the man reportedly drove a 14-year-old girl from Brooklyn to Middletown via New Jersey. By 2006, when the man reportedly had sex with two other minors, Congress had increased the penalties for the federal Mann Act violations, which is why he faces 10-year mandatory minimums for the 2006 crimes.
If you or a loved one is facing a sex crime charge in New Jersey, you need to consult with an experienced and skilled New Jersey sex crime defense attorney. The consequences, as you can see, are rather severe for sex crime convictions. It usually involves lengthy incarceration, hefty fines and mandatory registration as a sex offender for the rest of your life. If you are facing a sex crime charge, please call New Jersey criminal defense lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein for a free consultation. We will fight false allegations, protect your legal rights and make sure you get the justice you deserve.
