A deputy district attorney is applauding two teenage boys after they gave graphic testimony at their former karate instructor’s preliminary hearing on Thursday.
Juan Melesio Flores, 38, was bound over for trial on 15 total counts including lewd acts on a minor and oral copulation on a minor.
Flores was the co-owner and lead instructor at Z-Ultimate Studio in Tierrasanta before two teenagers came forward to accuse him of molesting them.
The 15-year-old and 17-year-old recounted their teacher’s alleged actions at Flores’ preliminary hearing.
One said Flores’ advances started slowly about a year ago and gradually grew in intensity. The other teen described a similar pattern, according to San Diego County Deputy District Attorney Wendy Patrick.
The alleged abuse took place between 2012 and Dec. 2013 at the studio, which held overnight events like “Ninja Nights.”
Flores has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.
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He remains free on a $350,000 bond, and a stay-away order is in effect against him. He will return to court on March 13.
