Second girl alleges abuse at karate school
Tue, Mar 8, 2005
ROCCO LaDUCA
Observer-Dispatch
UTICA – After a second child came forward this weekend claiming she was abused by local martial arts instructor Peter Rezey Jr., child advocacy officials expressed concern that more children may have been affected.
Rezey, 30, a Hamilton resident and the owner of Rezey’s Modern American Kenpo Karate on Chenango Road, was charged Thursday with felony first-degree sexual abuse for allegedly having sexual contact with a girl younger than 11 at the school.
The latest alleged abuse of an 8-year-old girl is believed to have taken place at Rezey’s karate school, said Kevin Revere, law enforcement coordinator at the county’s Child Advocacy Center. And the advocacy center is currently investigating how long the alleged abuse may have occurred, Revere said.
“We’re urging anyone that has had a child enrolled in this karate school to talk to their child in a very caring and non-judgmental way,” he said.
“And if any information develops that they are concerned about, then they should call the advocacy center or the local police,” Revere said.
The Child Advocacy Center can be reached at 732-3990.
When officials at the advocacy center first learned of last week’s abuse allegation in connection with Rezey – who has contact with dozens of children – Revere said they immediately were concerned that there may be more alleged victims.
“Now that we have two, we are concerned that there may be even more,” Revere said.
On Monday, Rezey’s martial arts studio remained closed.
And although Rezey was scheduled for a felony hearing Monday in City Court, he was released on $15,000 bond and the case will be referred to the District Attorney’s Office for grand jury action, Revere said.
Contact Rocco LaDuca at rladuca@utica.gannett.com
http://www.uticaod.com/archive/2005/03/08/news/22064.html
I sure hope the place remains closed.