http://articles.mcall.com/2012-10-29/news/mc-lower-macungie-martial-arts-molester-20121029_1_house-arrest-martial-arts-instructor-martial-arts
House arrest for martial-arts instructor who groped student
October 29, 2012|By Kevin Amerman, Of The Morning Call
A mixed martial-arts instructor in Lower Macungie Township admitted Monday to sexually assaulting one of his students and was placed on house arrest.
Shahrokh Mahrkar, 53, of Macungie pleaded guilty to misdemeanor corruption of minors, admitting he touched the student's breasts and buttocks on several occasions.
He was immediately sentenced by Lehigh County Judge Douglas G. Reichley to 90 days of house arrest and five years' probation.
Mahrkar is also banned from having any contact with nonfamily members under 18 for the next five years and is prohibited from instructing martial arts or "any physical exercise activities" to any minor, Reichley said.
Reichley said Mahrkar is also banned from having alcohol or controlled substances in his house and is precluded from viewing pornography online.
Mahrkar, who may relocate to another country, according to court records, must also perform 150 hours of community service if he stays in the United States.
Mahrkar's deal originally called for probation, but Reichley said house arrest was more appropriate. The judge also warned Mahrkar that if he violates terms of his probation, he'll be sent to state prison.
The victim, now 15, testified during a preliminary hearing in February that when she was 14, Mahrkar repeatedly groped her while they practiced jiu-jitsu ground fighting exercises. She said she fought off his hands and sexual advances for a month.
The girl said she would push away Mahrkar's hands as he grabbed her during the practices at a Lower Macungie Township karate school. Almost every time, Mahrkar would ask her if she liked it, she said. Every time, she ignored the question, she testified, hoping it would end.
The girl said Mahrkar went from making inappropriate comments about her breasts to groping her and trying to kiss her during practice, to touching her under her clothes. In one of her last run-ins with her instructor of two years, the girl said Mahrkar told her, "If I keep this up, I'm going to end up raping you."
The girl left the O2 Oxyfit Gym in May 2011. She said she trained there six days a week for two years and also worked at the school, teaching younger students.
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610-820-6510
House arrest for martial-arts instructor who groped student
October 29, 2012|By Kevin Amerman, Of The Morning Call
A mixed martial-arts instructor in Lower Macungie Township admitted Monday to sexually assaulting one of his students and was placed on house arrest.
Shahrokh Mahrkar, 53, of Macungie pleaded guilty to misdemeanor corruption of minors, admitting he touched the student's breasts and buttocks on several occasions.
He was immediately sentenced by Lehigh County Judge Douglas G. Reichley to 90 days of house arrest and five years' probation.
Mahrkar is also banned from having any contact with nonfamily members under 18 for the next five years and is prohibited from instructing martial arts or "any physical exercise activities" to any minor, Reichley said.
Reichley said Mahrkar is also banned from having alcohol or controlled substances in his house and is precluded from viewing pornography online.
Mahrkar, who may relocate to another country, according to court records, must also perform 150 hours of community service if he stays in the United States.
Mahrkar's deal originally called for probation, but Reichley said house arrest was more appropriate. The judge also warned Mahrkar that if he violates terms of his probation, he'll be sent to state prison.
The victim, now 15, testified during a preliminary hearing in February that when she was 14, Mahrkar repeatedly groped her while they practiced jiu-jitsu ground fighting exercises. She said she fought off his hands and sexual advances for a month.
The girl said she would push away Mahrkar's hands as he grabbed her during the practices at a Lower Macungie Township karate school. Almost every time, Mahrkar would ask her if she liked it, she said. Every time, she ignored the question, she testified, hoping it would end.
The girl said Mahrkar went from making inappropriate comments about her breasts to groping her and trying to kiss her during practice, to touching her under her clothes. In one of her last run-ins with her instructor of two years, the girl said Mahrkar told her, "If I keep this up, I'm going to end up raping you."
The girl left the O2 Oxyfit Gym in May 2011. She said she trained there six days a week for two years and also worked at the school, teaching younger students.
[email protected]
610-820-6510
http://lowermacungie.patch.com/articles/martial-arts-instructor-allegedly-sexually-assaulted-student
Martial Arts Instructor Allegedly Sexually Assaulted Student
Owner of Lower Macungie facility is accused of improper contact for an extended period, police say.
By Tad Miller
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September 16, 2011
An instructor at a Lower Macungie Township martial arts studio has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a female student over an "extended period of time."
Shahrokh Mehrkar, who police said teaches at and owns O2 Oxyfit Gym and Martial Arts Studio, was arrested following a criminal investigation, according to state police at Fogelsville. The female student, who is now 15, began classes at the 6480 Alburtis Road facility when she was 12.
The sexual contact began during training sessions, police said, and extended at the facility after classes. The report suggests a period for offenses between April 2009 and May 2011. Mehrkar was the girl's instructor.
Mehrkar was committed to Lehigh County Prison under $75,000 bail on a charge of indecent assault, police said.
Police ask that anyone with information contact Trooper Gregg Dietz or Cpl. James Bruchak at 610-395-1438.
Related Topics: Lower Macungie Township, Martial Arts, Oxyfit Gym, Sexual Assault, and pennsylvania state police
Martial Arts Instructor Allegedly Sexually Assaulted Student
Owner of Lower Macungie facility is accused of improper contact for an extended period, police say.
By Tad Miller
Email the author
September 16, 2011
An instructor at a Lower Macungie Township martial arts studio has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a female student over an "extended period of time."
Shahrokh Mehrkar, who police said teaches at and owns O2 Oxyfit Gym and Martial Arts Studio, was arrested following a criminal investigation, according to state police at Fogelsville. The female student, who is now 15, began classes at the 6480 Alburtis Road facility when she was 12.
The sexual contact began during training sessions, police said, and extended at the facility after classes. The report suggests a period for offenses between April 2009 and May 2011. Mehrkar was the girl's instructor.
Mehrkar was committed to Lehigh County Prison under $75,000 bail on a charge of indecent assault, police said.
Police ask that anyone with information contact Trooper Gregg Dietz or Cpl. James Bruchak at 610-395-1438.
Related Topics: Lower Macungie Township, Martial Arts, Oxyfit Gym, Sexual Assault, and pennsylvania state police