What to Know
- A karate instructor who sexually abused four of his students has been arrested, the NYPD said
- Hector Bencosme, 57, faces charges including aggravated sex and criminal sex act, police said
- Bencosme allegedly molested students and took topless photos of them
A karate instructor who sexually abused four of his students over the course of two months has been arrested, authorities said.
Washington Heights resident Hector Bencosme, 57, inappropriately touched the students — who range in age from 13 to 15 — telling them he needed to “evaluate their bodies,” police said.
One of the students, a 13-year-old girl, told police Bencosme touched her breasts, took topless photos of her and tried to touch her vagina, according to a complaint filed with the Manhattan District Attorney's office.
Two other students said the instructor touched and took photos of their breasts and genitals, the complaint said.
He also told students they had to lose weight, and would massage their breasts, according to police.
On one occasion, Bencosme rubbed his genitals on a student's buttocks, the NYPD said.
Local
Bencosme faces charges including sexual abuse, forcible touching and promoting a sexual performance by a child, according to the complaint.
He is expected to appear in court on June 1, the DA's office said.
Editor's note: A previous version of the story stated that the instructor sexually abused five students ranging in age from 10 to 14, based on information from the NYPD. The story has been updated to reflect new information from police.
