March 8

Randolph martial arts instructor charged with sexually abusing student

Kennebec Journal staff report

RANDOLPH — A martial arts instructor who teaches in Randolph was arrested Thursday night on an allegation that he had sex with one of his students, according to Maine State Police.

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Perkins

Brant Perkins, 53, of Edgecomb, was charged with sexual abuse of a minor, state police said in a news release.

Police said Perkins is an instructor at the Maine Isshinryu Karate Academies in Randolph. According to the release, he was arrested by police Detective Joshua Birmingham outside the Randolph martial arts building about 7 p.m. Thursday night.

Police said the victim is a teenage girl who was one of Perkins’ students, and that a family friend reported the abuse this week. Steve McCausland, spokesman for the Department of Public Safety, said the abuse occurred at Perkins’ home in Edgecomb.

The karate academy operates at several locations in Maine.

Glen Fitzmaurice, owner of the Randolph studio, said Friday that Perkins “is no longer affiliated with us. He will not return. He’s not an employee and he never was." Fitzmaurice declined to comment further.

According to the karate academy’s website, Perkins is a black belt instructor who teaches two classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays — one for teens and adults and another class for children ages 7 to 13.

Perkins was being held in lieu of $2,500 bail at the Two Bridges Jail in Wiscasset. He was expected to make an initial appearence via video in Waldo County court later today.

This story will be updated.

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