A karate instructor in Orange County pleaded guilty to molesting seven boys in his Westminster studio. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, 51-year-old Patrick Shawn Magnan could face up to 110 years to life in state prison. Magnan reportedly molested the seven victims, aged 10 to 14, indulging in lewd acts such as masturbation, groping and kissing.
One of the alleged victims apparently told a counselor about the incidents, the report states. Westminster police officials say victims told them they did not come forward because they were ashamed and also because they were intimidated by the physical strength of their karate teacher. Magnan pleaded guilty to 12 felony counts of lewd acts on a child under 14 and sentencing enhancements for committing lewd acts on multiple children. Magnan apparently has a prior felony conviction for attempted criminal sexual conduct on a child under 13 in Michigan.
When individuals use children as sexual objects, make no mistake, they must be brought to justice. But all too often, people find themselves charged with sex crimes based on false accusations or manipulated accusers. If you believe you have been wrongfully accused of assaulting or sexually abusing a child, you need the best criminal defense attorney you can find.
Consider the serious consequences of these charges. If you are convicted, you will face a lengthy prison sentence. In this case, this karate teacher faces life in prison. There will not only be severe penalties, but you will be required to register as a sex offender. Your name will be on a sex offender database that anyone can look up. Of course, this will seriously jeopardize your future and prevent you from ever owning a house or being employed. Please do not let this happen to you. Call us today to find out how we can help you with your Southern California sex crime case.
