A Bronx karate instructor is accused of sexually assaulting two of his students.
Police say a 6-year-old girl was attending class last week at the USA Martial Arts Fitness Academy on Prospect Avenue when she asked the instructor for water. News 12 is told that the teacher took her aside and allegedly molested her.
Anthony Gonzalez was arrested last Thursday. Cameras captured detectives escorting him out of a police precinct in handcuffs. Gonzalez is charged with sexual abuse, forcible touching and endangering the welfare of a child.
According to the criminal complaint, the Bronx district attorney's office and NYPD were able to track down a second alleged victim, another 6-year-old girl, who they say was abused for more than six months by Gonzalez.
Gonzalez is being charged with course of sexual conduct against a child and endangering the welfare of a child in connection with the second alleged victim.
The martial arts academy responded to the allegations against Gonzalez in a post on its Facebook page, saying in part: "USA Martial Arts Fitness Academy has a zero-tolerance policy for anyone who causes harm to our students, especially our children. We take these allegations very seriously and are fully cooperating with the authorities. Safety is our top priority."
Gonzalez's bail was posted at $350,000. He is expected back in court Wednesday.
The NYPD says it is investigating the possibility of additional victims.