HAYS COUNTY, Texas -- A third charge has been filed against the owner of a Wimberley karate studio accused of sexually assaulting a child, according to the Hays County Sheriff's Office.
Richard Dale Griffin, 60, faces three counts of sexual assault of a child. Griffin, who owns Kim Soo Karate, was initially charged on July 31. Officials say he had a relationship with one of his karate students.
Griffin posted bond and was released from jail on Aug. 3 to await trial.
According to court documents, the sheriff's office interviewed the child on July 24 after she made an outcry to her parents. The girl said several years ago while undergoing karate training with Griffin in Wimberley, he asked her to marry him.
On July 29, a child advocacy center interviewed the alleged victim. The girl said in February 2012, Griffin started texting her. The girl said after Griffin went through a divorce, he began pursuing her, and it turned into an unwanted sexual relationship. The relationship continued for two and a half years until the girl ended it in May 2014.
Court documents say Griffin gave the girl gifts, money and a cell phone, and that the girl would skip school to be with them.
Documents say Griffin also videotaped and photographed their sexual encounters.
Officials conducted search warrants for Griffin's home and karate studio, which is vacated, even though an "open" sign is still up.
Griffin taught karate at the Austin branch of Kim Soo Karate from 2006-2008. Before Austin, Griffin taught private karate lessons in Kerrville, Texas in the 80s. Griffin also taught in Spring Branch, Texas for one year in the 70s.
Sexual assault of a child is a second-degree felony.
The case is currently under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this case, should contact the Hays County Sheriff's Office at 512-393-7869. You can also call the Hays County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-324-TIPS (8477).
