MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A 58-year-old man accused of molesting a 9-year-old girl at a karate dojo last fall appeared in court Wednesday seeking release from jail to await trial at home.
According to an arrest report from the Miami-Dade Police Department, on Sept. 29, the victim was having a private session with Darwin Dejesus Rojas-Frias, at Showakai Karate-Do USA, located at 13716 SW 88th St., while her mother was present.
After the session concluded, the victim told her mother that Rojas-Frias had taken her to a small closet, which was out of her mother’s view, the report stated.
While there, Rojas Frias grabbed one of the victim’s hands, put it inside his pants and told her to squeeze his penis, according to police.
Authorities said the victim told her mother that she did not squeeze Rojas-Frias’ penis, but was still forced to touch it.
According to his arrest report, Rojas-Frias admitted to taking the victim inside the small closet, which was away from her mother’s view, but denied making her touch his penis.
On Wednesday, a judge found the circumstances of the allegations enough to keep Rojas Frias, who was being held without bond, to remain in custody until his trial.
Local 10 News spoke with Rojas Frias’ defense attorney Ricardo Hermida who remained adamant that his client is innocent.
“This is a guy with an impeccable record. He ran a karate school without incident for almost 10 years,” Hermida said. “Get ready to try a case because innocent men don’t make deals.”
According to jail records, Rojas-Frias is facing one count of child molestation of a victim under 18 years of age.
His trial is scheduled to begin in July.