Doral Martial Arts Teacher Accused Of Sexually Battering Student
Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter
MIAMI (CBSMiami) - A martial arts instructor in Doral is accused of forcing a young girl to perform sex acts on home numerous times.
Sebastian Choi, 22, is the girl's Taekwondo instructor and physical education teacher at family-run Tae Kwon Doe facility, according to police.
The girl, now 13, told police the abuse started when she was 10-years-old.
Choi has been charged with molestation and sexual battery on a child.
Miami-Dade Police Detective Angel Rodriguez tells CBS4, "This victim was very brave to come forward and tell her parents what happened to her when she was just 10 years old. The victim disclosed that when she was just 10 she was forced to perform sex acts. This is very alarming because this person had access to children. One message here is for parents to keep an open line of communication with their parents."
His arrest comes as a surprise to Gary Shipman of Plantation who has been bringing his son to the facility for three years.
"He's a great guy. I am shocked to hear this. This is a great institution with great leaders here and great students," he said. "My son is here. I feel very safe. I never heard anything before."
"It's something to think about but I will stick with the thought that you are innocent until proven otherwise," he added.
CBS4's Peter D'Oench tried to talk with someone at the facility but was asked to leave and the door was locked behind him.
Shipman said he does feel that the people who run the business owe parents an explanation.
"I want some facts. I want some details," he said.
During his arraignment, the judge ordered Choi to stay away from the girl.
"Stay away from the victim who has the initials V.C. That means no contact whatsoever with V.C. And you can not be within 500 feet of her," said the judge. "Do you understand the stay away order?"
"Yes ma'am," he replied.
Choi is being held without bond.
"Anyone who knows if there are other victims should call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305 471-TIPS," said Rodriguez.
He told D'Oench that it is not known at this point if there are other victims.