KARATE TEACHER ARRESTED FOR CHILD MOLESTATION

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August 13, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Eric Protas, 38, of La Mesa was arrested yesterday on numerous counts of child molestation involving a 13-year-old karate student. Protas is the owner and a karate instructor at the Allied Gardens School of Martial Arts, 5154 Waring Road in San Diego.

 

According to La Mesa Police, Protas repeatedly sexually abused the boy over a one-year period. Police are continuing the investigation, working on developing leads on any other potential victims.

 

Protas has been booked into San Diego County Jail on the following charges:

 

• 288a(c)(1) PC – Oral Copulation w/ a Minor Under 14 where suspect is over 10 years older
• 286(c)(1) PC – Sodomy w/ a Minor Under 14 where the suspect is over 10 years older
• 288a(b)(2) PC – Oral Copulation w/ a Minor Under 16
• 286(b)(2) PC – Sodomy w/ a Minor Under 16

 

Protas is being held on a $1,000,000.00 bail.

 

If you have any information on this case, please call the Detective Jason Sieckman at (619) 667-1439. This investigation is continuing.

 

You may also call Crime Stoppers’ anonymous toll-free tip line (888) 580-TIPS (or www.sdcrimestoppers.com). You can remain anonymous, and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest in this case.
 


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Comments

Karate teacher arrested

Granted I have not heard/seen all the evidence in this case, and of course a jury will decide the final outcome as our system allows. The one puzzling piece regarding his guilt or innocence for me is the playing of an audio tape in court during his preliminary hearing. The police monitored & recorded the young boy's telephone conversation with Protas prior to his arrest .... The boy asks Protas if he remembers the first time they had sex and if Protas misses those sexual encounters as much as the victim does ... Protas answers: " Why are you bringing that up now?" If anyone, especially a young boy ,called me and asked that question I'm quite sure my answer would have been very different .. More like WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT! If in fact he is innocent, he seemed to calmly answer that question and further references to their sexual activities & did not deny or question the young victim's references to sexual acts between them. Only a small piece of the entire story, but a major 'red flag' for the defense!

Thank you for not lynching

Reviewing the comments/stories of the media, who are presenting Mr. Protas as guilty before proven innocent, it is refreshing to see this publication just state the facts and not an opinion.

Mr. Protas has worked with my son. There were no issues of abuse to him or any of the other students. He is a wonderful teacher and mentor, always reaching out to help. I would be very surprised if there was any truth to these allegations.

Thank you again for not lynching.

Ceceria

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