It has been somewhat of a surreal few weeks following the news of a local karate instructor's inappropriate relations with minors enrolled at his family's karate school. Following an arrest in early February, it has been kind of quiet with regard to updates regarding the 27-year-old instructor who happens to be the son of the school's owner, until the news of today's arraignment.

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New York State Police: Karate School Instructor Charged With Sexually Abusing Children

On February 5th, Hudson Valley residents were shocked to learn of the arrest of 27-year-old Tyler LeClerc on criminal sexual act and child endangerment charges, felony and misdemeanor charges.

Dutchess County District Attorney
Dutchess County District Attorney
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LeClerc, whose family owned and operated the six LeClerc Martial Arts locations around the Hudson Valley at the time of his arrest in February, was listed as an instructor on their websites and social media pages. Following the arrest, Tyler's photo and information was removed from their website, but as of now, the business website and all social media pages are gone when searched.

SEE ALSO: Dutchess County Congressman Proposes New Background Check Legislation Following LeClerc Arrest

42 Count Indictment At LeClerc Arraignment

More than a month after the initial arrest, LeClerc was arraigned on Tuesday, March 25th in Dutchess County Court on a number of additional charges, with the Dutchess County DA sharing a 42 count indictment that took place in front of a Grand Jury.

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LeClerc has been charged with a total of 6 counts of Criminal Sexual Act in the Third Degree, 1 count of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, felonies, as well as 17 counts of Forcible Touching, and 18 counts of Sexual Abuse in the Third Degree, the later 35 misdemeanors.

Court records indicate that the incidents took place over a four year span, between March 2021 and February 2025, included four different victims, and took place at various locations.

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GoogleMaps
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LeClerc's bail was continued at $200,000 cash, $400,000 partially secured, and $2 million unsecured bond. His next court date is set for April 24th.

Following arraignment, Dutchess County DA Anthony Parisi shared the following:

Today, the defendant is arraigned on charges of abusing the trust placed in him by exploiting vulnerable students from LeClerc’s Martial Arts school. The allegations are deeply disturbing, and we are committed to ensuring that justice is served for the victims involved. No child should ever feel unsafe in a place meant to foster discipline and respect. We will not tolerate any actions that endanger the well-being of our children.

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