A 68-year-old kung fu grandmaster has been convicted of sexually abusing girls during martial arts lessons in a New York suburb.
The Westchester County district attorney's office says Frank DeMaria of Ossining was found guilty Tuesday of sexual abuse, sexual conduct with children and endangering children.
Prosecutors said four girls aged 6 to 11 reported that DeMaria had them grab, squeeze and pull on his genitals during lessons at his school in Croton-on-Hudson.
DeMaria, a retired county policeman, testified that he told students to kick and slap an attacker's groin but did not have them fondle him. He said he taught ethics, respect and honor.
He faces up to seven years in prison when he is sentenced May 8.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
