Crime & Safety
Temecula Karate Instructor Suspected of Molesting Student To Face Charges
The 62-year-old Temecula martial arts instructor is suspected of sexually assaulting at least one student during a session.
TEMECULA, CA —A 62-year-old Temecula martial arts instructor suspected of sexually assaulting at least one student during a session was expected to face felony charges at his Tuesday court appearance.
Dzung Xuan Mai was arrested Friday following a Riverside County Sheriff's Department investigation.
Mai was booked into the Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta on suspicion of multiple allegations of aggravated sexual assault. Bail information was not published. He was being held at the Southwest Detention Center and was expected in court Tuesday at the Murrieta Southwest Justice Center.
The case was under review Monday by the District Attorney's Office.
According to sheriff's Sgt. Mike Kelleher, deputies were informed Wednesday of a possible assault on a minor who was taking a karate lesson at Mai's martial arts studio, located in his residence in the 31000 block of Iris Way, near Poppy Ridge Drive.
"Investigators learned that Mai had been teaching there for the past several years, instructing students between 5 and 19 years old," Kelleher said.
After gathering details on the alleged assault on the student, a search warrant was procured and served at the suspect's property, where he was taken into custody without incident Friday morning.
"Investigators believe there may be additional victims and encourage anyone with information to contact the Special Victims Unit," Kelleher said.
The unit can be reached at 951-955-2777 or 951-696-3000.
