Kung Fu Coach Molested Students: Police

Derick Lee, 49, was taken into custody at the Elite Kung Fu Training Academy in El Monte

An El Monte Kung Fu coach has been arrested after allegedly molesting three of his underage students.

Derick Lee, 49, was taken into custody at the Elite Kung Fu Training Academy on the 10400 block Valley Boulevard Thursday, an El Monte Police Department spokesman said.

The Temple City resident was arrested after a female student and her mother contacted police. After further investigation a further two alleged victims were identified.

All of the claimed assaults are said to have been committed against current and former students inside the martial arts school.

The martial arts instructor is being held at the Los Angeles County Twin Towers Jail Facility on $550,000 bail, according to records. He is due in court Monday.

Sgt. Roger Cobian of El Monte PD praised the initial alleged victim and her parent for coming forward.

"If it wasn't for the wonderful relationship this young lady has with her mother we would not have been able to help the other two victims and (we are now) reaching out to the public to find some more," Sgt. Cobian said.

Anyone who has additional information can contact investigators on (626) 580-2114. Information may also be submitted at tips@elmontepd.org. 

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