Dutchess County martial arts studio instructor accused of sexually abusing children pleads guilty
Officials say Tyler LeClerc, a Hyde Park resident, was an instructor at his family’s martial arts studio, LeClerc's Martial Arts.
A Dutchess County martial arts studio instructor who was accused of sexually abusing children pleaded guilty in court.
Officials say Tyler LeClerc, a Hyde Park resident, was an instructor at his family’s martial arts studio, LeClerc's Martial Arts.
He was arrested in February.
The Dutchess County District Attorney's Office says LeClerc pleaded guilty in court to two counts of criminal sexual act, one count of attempted sexual abuse and two counts of forcible touching.
The District Attorney's Office says a plea agreement was made following the unanimous request of the victims’ parents, who wanted to spare their children the emotional trauma of testifying in a trial.
"No prison sentence can erase the harm that these children experienced, but I do support and stand by the decision that the victims and their families made," says Christina Vaitkus, a Wappingers Falls resident.
Some Dutchess County parents are also calling for changes to state law because of this.
Advocates say the state law requires background checks for school employees and child care facilities but not businesses where kids take part in after-school activities.
The bill is still in committee, according to the state Senate website.
LeClerc will be sentenced on Sept. 3. The District Attorney's Office says the sentence agreement is between 10 and 12 years in prison.
