Ann Arbor area Tae Kwon Do instructor charged with sexually assaulting 12-year-old on I-94 near Chelsea
Related: Suspected child pornography found at home of Ann Arbor area tae kwon do instructor, police say
An Ann Arbor tae kwon do instructor was arraigned today on charges that he sexually assaulted a 12-year-old child on I-94 near Chelsea over the weekend.
Michigan State Police investigators say one additional victim has already come forward, and police suspect more victims exist.
Edward James Bruner, 58, is being held without bond after being arraigned on two counts of criminal sexual conduct.
The investigation involving Bruner started at 5:30 p.m. Sunday while he was driving on I-94 near Old US-12. According to a state police news release, other motorists on the highway saw a boy being sexually assaulted in a vehicle as it was heading westbound on I-94.
Edward James Bruner
Chelsea police officers and state troopers stopped Bruner's vehicle, and he was arrested. Police said he is the Tae Kwon Do instructor for the 12-year-old boy.
Since his arrest, a 19-year-old has come forward to report being sexually assaulted by Bruner six years ago, according to the release. State police detectives were not available for comment this evening.
Bruner, known as "Master J.R. Bruner" to students, was an instructor at Kitchi Tae Kwon Do in Dexter Township, which is owned by Mike Trester, a detective lieutenant with the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department.
Trester said this evening that he was devastated by the news of Bruner's arrest. Bruner was one of four instructors there, teaching classes to students ages 7 to adult. He had been teaching for Kitchi for more than two years and has been a martial arts instructor at various studios for about 25 years, Trester said.
"I never saw this coming," Trester said. "He was well respected by everyone — people looked up to him. I considered him a mentor at times. There were no red flags that I saw, nothing. I'm just floored and angry."
The 12-year-old victim was a student at Kitchi, and Trester said Bruner allegedly developed a relationship with the child outside the studio. Trester said he has held parent meetings since the arrest and is cooperating with police, providing records on children who were students at his studio.
Trester said Bruner taught one to two nights a week but wasn't alone with children there since parents and other adults were almost always present. Trester said he conducted a background check on Bruner before he began teaching there, and it didn't turn up any issues.
"We informed all the parents, and obviously they were all shocked. It's been emotional for everyone," Trester said. "He's pretty well known in the martial arts community. I'm not aware of any other victims coming forward, but if there are others, I hope that they do. It's difficult, but he needs to be held accountable because this is affecting so many people."
Bruner lives on Ann Arbor's west side and has been married for more than 30 years, officials said. His daughter also is a martial arts instructor.
Police are hoping to speak to any other potential victims in the Ann Arbor and Chelsea area or witnesses to the reported assault on I-94 Sunday evening. Bruner was on westbound I-94 near Fletcher Road when the assault occurred, and witnesses reported he was driving erratically, the release said.
Anyone with information can call the Michigan State Police Ypsilanti post detective bureau at 734-482-1211.
Bruner is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on Jan. 27. No attorney information for him was available this evening.
Comments
toolmaker2
Wed, Feb 2, 2011 : 8:06 p.m.
Having known this guy for a few years I also was shocked. I never suspected,but, having talked to someone who also claims to be a victim, I believe. What I do not see is any reference to the Boy Scouts. I remember JR telling me he was a volunteer with the boy scouts and sometimes went camping with them. Can anyone confirm that? Does anyone know what happened in court last week?
anothermom
Sat, Jan 22, 2011 : 2:36 p.m.
on 2nd thought, written reasons for safety rules should be available if a parent needs clarification of the rules. For public posting, the shorter the better. and staff rules should be available to parents as well.
anothermom
Sat, Jan 22, 2011 : 2:31 p.m.
i've been a parent for a long time, and have had my children in many groups. In a small group, making a rule that there must be 2 staff members or leaders there at every time might not always work, but how about this as a solution. "We have a rule that 2 adults must be present at all times. Parents, please see our sign up sheet posted out front. Classes without a parent signed up as a 2nd adult may have to be cancelled and rescheduled" and maybe"If parents wish to carpool, here are some guidelines for the safety of all concerned..." perhaps another point to make would be that any adult choosing to be left alone with any child should understand that at any time, a child could accuse you of anything, even as a result of a misinterpretation. (although I believe kids almost never lie about this) This might convince a lot of parents to follow the safety rules even though it is inconvenient. And, it just might keep our kids a little bit safer from hidden predators. Then, how about a staff and volunteers only rule sheet with something like, "Touch the children as little as possible to avoid the appearance of impropriety. Do not give rides. Do not help a child in the bathroom. (like helping to fasten pants or whatever.) I'm just trying to help cut down on the opportunities for hidden monsters to get at the kids. Stuff like this might even make parents more aware of danger in other situations outside of this particular organization) Oh- I had to go through a police fingerprint procedure and background check in order to sub in the public school system. Is that a rule for these types or activities? Maybe require references?
Just Some Guy
Fri, Jan 21, 2011 : 11:21 p.m.
This whole situation is sad. I was once considering joining. Now I'd be really surprised if this place survived. It is unfair to Mr. Tester, but should this place survive? Any organization that deals with kids has a responsibility to keep them safe. I have no problem with punishing the whole organization for failing to do so. The thought that people would still support this place boggles my mind (of course I take all of this back if it turns out that he is innocent)
anothermom
Fri, Jan 21, 2011 : 6:24 p.m.
To Chelsea Resident: I thought carefully before replying to your post. I wanted to try to understand your motivations. Info in your post indicates you might be a mom of just a few years, and haven't had time to get a lot of parenting experience. This story is scary. You want to protect your children. You may feel like you can protect your children by being smarter, more vigilant and love your children more than we love ours. I've been a parent for 27 yrs. I was where you might be. I thought I could protect my children through skill and better judgement. To think otherwise would have been overwhelmingly frightening. But, believing oneself to be infallible as a parent leaves your kids vulnerable because you'll never doubt your decisions, and be less likely to rethink. If you think about it, you may realize that we don't love our children any less than you love yours. And you shouldn't feel you are smarter than every single one of us. You don't know us. Judging others so harshly is dangerous parenting because you won't be paying enough attention to your own parenting. So often a "new" parent is judging other parents without realizing that parents are judging her at the same time. "I would NEVER let my kid blah blah blah" The other parent is many times thinking of the blaring mistakes they are watching you make. Speaking without thinking means you'll regret a lot of words. This forum is not for attacking others. It's a good way to get extra info and insight. When you post, reread your words before hitting send. My 1st reply was brutally honest and mean. But, I reread your words to try to understand your viewpoint. Please consider posting only when you have time to think and edit. Little ones get into unsafe situations in the few minutes you take time for yourself, so I get why you may have been in a hurry. But hasty words don't help. You had some good ideas but it was too hard to pick through derogatory statements to see them.
Chelsea Resident
Fri, Jan 21, 2011 : 8:25 p.m.
anothermom, why assume I'm a mom? I'm a dad, and while my kid might not be 27 years old, I've been involved in TKD about that long. Sorry if you took offense at my post. I reread what I wrote and found nothing but advice to parents on how to choose a martial arts school and concern that a local school operated without the checks and balances that would assure that nothing like this could happen, checks and balances that are pretty commonplace in the martial arts business. I did not attack you or anyone. Nowhere did I say I was smarter than anyone here. Where did you see ANY of that??? I'm outraged that something like this can happen in a scene I've known all my life, I sure as heck don't want to expose my kid to something like this in the future, and I can only hope my advice will help other parents ask the right questions before signing their kid up for TKD, or ballet, or any activity. I only disagreed with your support of this guy's studio. Perhaps I'm right, perhaps you're right. Not enough information to tell. But that sure as heck doesn't give you the right to lecture me about parenting or about how to use online forums. If my suggestions help even one parent avoid this kind of situation, then I'm glad I can help. Even if I haven't been a parent for 27 years.
Chelsea Resident
Fri, Jan 21, 2011 : 12:45 p.m.
Like limmy, I've been involved in the Ann Arbor martial arts scene for years but I've heard of this guy. Hasn't anyone wondered why he taught at a series of different schools for just a few years before moving on to the next? Mr. Trester may have done a criminal check but speaking to the previous masters who hired Bruner would've been better. Mr. Trester might run a decent studio but as a parent looking for a place for my kid to train, I'd have major second thoughts about signing my kid up at a school where one of the school's 2 masters was charged with child molestation. I value my kid too much to even consider it. There are other TKD schools in Ann Arbor and Chelsea, schools overseen by the TKD branch of the US Olympic Committee, with highly trained and even nationally recognized masters and instructors Any parent looking to sign their kid up for martial arts should observe classes, talk to other parents, ask about instructors' backgrounds and ask about safety rules. Are parents required to stay for their kids' classes and other school events? Are instructors allowed to babysit students or socialize with students outside class? Does the school carry liability insurance? No properly insured school is going to let an instructor drive a kid ANYWHERE unless it's in a licensed school vehicle to a martial arts event. Not door-to-door with fast food thrown in! Bruner doing that should have compelled Trester to have a serious talk with him about school liability and crossing the line between instructor and ... whatever it is Bruner became. I'm sorry these kids had to be exposed to a guy like this but without proper checks and balances limiting interactions outside the studio and without checking Bruner's instructing background, this was a crime just waiting to happen. When my kid's old enough to train, you better believe I'll ask plenty of questions first, and sorry anothermom, it won't be at that school.
anothermom
Sat, Jan 22, 2011 : 3:04 a.m.
You stand by your words, and I stand by mine. Except, I have to admit that I may be overly sensitive for obvious reasons, and that made me overreact and get offended without cause. It came out in my tone. I'm sorry-I'm not a mean-spirited person. I'm just even more outraged than you are and I haven't slept or kept solid food down since I found out. There's no outlet for this much disgust, and rage and guilt. I think I might be itching for a chance to lash out. I keep reading on this forum, hoping for more info so I can understand how it could happen. Your info is good. I'm sure it will help someone, and I'm glad you posted it. (I don't know how to reply to a reply-there was nothing to click on, so I just replied to you here. Hope that is not confusing) Anothermom
Chelsea Resident
Fri, Jan 21, 2011 : 12:58 p.m.
Also ask if the school owner and instructors are members of professional martial arts organizations. There are three that I know of, probably more. These groups provide support for school owners and have magazines discussing the ins and outs of running a successful school, including hiring instructors, insurance and liability, setting rules and guidelines for staff, how to avoid accidents in the training area, etc. The goal is to help schools reach their potential and provide a safe environment for students. It doesn't sound like Trester belongs to any of these, or he'd have had rules in place to keep students from ever catching a ride, a Happy Meal, and who knows what else from Bruner. Can't help but wonder whether Trester, as Kitchi's owner and Bruner's employer, can be held accountable since it was through Kitchi that the kid (kids???) came into contact with Bruner. Don't know enough about liability laws, but just wondering.
anothermom
Fri, Jan 21, 2011 : 3 a.m.
I would like to point out that JR Bruno was just an instructor at Kitchi. He was just one man amongst a larger group of great people. Kitchi is made up of Mr. Trester, and black belt master Aris, good parents and super kids. JR doesn't represent Kitchi. His alleged crimes began long before Kitchi. Kitchi doesn't deserve a tarnished reputation because of one sick man. Mr. Trester is a kind, dedicated professional whose behavior is absolutely, distinctively different from JR's. He and JR taught at the same school, but were so different. JR ingratiated himself to families, and always seemed like he was something more than your kid's instructor. He offered "over the top" friendship, and was more personally involved than professionally involved. He was quick to offer transport. He sweetened the deal with drive thru fast food. I didn't get the feeling that JR and Mr. Trester were so close that we should think Trester should have suspected anything. Molesters spend a lifetime honing their skills at deception, and creating an image that hides who they really are. I am sure JR went to even greater lengths to avoid calling attention to himself when Mr. T was in the room. Additionally, they taught classes separately and were not in the same room as often as you'd think. My son is planning to get back into Kitchi as soon as he graduates High school and has more time. He looks forward to training with Trester and is willing to drive 45 min. to get to Kitchi because of the quality of this school. I would encourage anyone to enroll at Kitchi, and I will be happy to get to watch classes there again. (The Krav Maga is especially fascinating.)
robyn
Sat, Jan 22, 2011 : 9 p.m.
Very nicely put aapsparent. It is very natural to push aside our own 'gut feelings' because others thend to think we're being dramatic or irrational. In this day and age of political correctness - having negative feelings or vibes about someone that you 'just can't pinpoint' but - never the less - still have is seen as a fault with the person who has the bad vibes. As if you're being judgmental without evidence or cause. This is especially difficult when something does happen and you find out you were correct to begin with. Unfortunately - there are no easy answers and all of the questions are so difficult. Hind sight is always 20/20, you did what you thought was right at the time and you shouldn't beat your self up about it. Parenting was never supposed to be this hard or this frightening.
aapsparent
Sat, Jan 22, 2011 : 4:39 p.m.
dear another mom, Please continue to trust your instincts. You said earlier you felt that others thought you were too "paranoid" about not letting your son accept rides from the accused instructor. With this post, you've now described some very astute observations that are characteristic of a child predator. Unfortunately, sometimes we have to feel it in our gut and ignore that part of the brain that wants to dismiss/rationalize those uncomfortable feelings as "paranoia" or "overprotectiveness". Gavin DeBecker author of Protecting the Gift (keeping children safe) and the Gift of Fear writes about this in these books.
aapsparent
Thu, Jan 20, 2011 : 4:12 p.m.
What a terrible trauma for these victims and the families that knew this. Not yet found guilty........and this is unimaginable for those victims who didnt come forward before and tucked the horror away. And for those kids and families who only know the good things about this instructor can't seem to comprehend his horrible offenses.........if he committed them? Child Predators don't wear masks of deviance rather the opposite as other comments before me attest to. And they all are not registered offenders (only those that have been caught). Obviously working for a law enforcement person there were no "obvious" signs? The one parents' comment about this accused instructor wanting to drive their child to practice? Little things like this warrant telling those in charge and a review of policy involving contact with children on a one on one basis as stated by another. Not that this could have stopped anything predators always find a way and we are left with trying to comprehend how this could have happened, how could we have known and how do we protect our children from becoming victimes while still encouraging them be trustful of adults whom we call teachers/rolemodels.
anothermom
Thu, Jan 20, 2011 : 11:16 p.m.
I'm the mom who thought it odd that jr wanted to drive my did the minute he first met him. When JR wanted to drive my kid to class, I immediately dismissed the idea because my policy has always been that you don't allow your child to be in a one on one situation with a person you don't know very well. I am also paranoid enough to refuse to put him in a one on one with someone I've known for a little while. So, I noted that I thought this was odd to my husband and other parents at the school. I felt like everyone thought I was ridiculously paranoid and horrible to have expressed such ideas about a poor man who was just trying to be nice. I stuck to my guns for years, but finally I let my son catch a ride home with him for some reason. By then my son was older, and we knew JR and blah, blah, blah. I hate myself now. and I'll always wonder. My son insists nothing happened, but I can't help worrying because he was the age boy that jr targeted. anyway-that's what happened when I noticed that jr wanted to drive my kid home.
anothermom
Thu, Jan 20, 2011 : 3:03 p.m.
As a parent involved in this mess, I think I have some points that might be useful to those of us involved. If there was nothing going on in the vehicle, why didn't it end there? A plausible explanation from driver and child might have convinced police that the child was ok. Investigation would've ended. If the 2 subsequent reports were unbelievable, the investigation might've ended there. If a search of the home turned up nothing, it might've ended there. (What kind of images MIGHT look like kiddie porn? I can't imagine an innocent picture causing police to suspect it might be porn. Is there that much grey area in determining porn?) Be convinced of his innocence if you believe in it, but let's be careful not to blame kids who make us uncomfortable by saying what we don't want to hear. If there are victims, they deserve to be heard. None of us want to see victims victimized over and over by creating a tone that discourages their honesty and right to justice. The "I didn't see it, so it didn't happen" is just as unreasonable as convicting the man without facts or evidence. I hope I am not seeing the beginnings of a "choosing sides" kind of atmosphere. A spirit of mutual support would help us all in dealing with this situation.
limmy
Thu, Jan 20, 2011 : 1:40 p.m.
I have been in the Ann Arbor martial arts community for 40 years and I have never heard of this guy. My guess is he is well know in the Tae Kwon Do community which is a subset of the larger martial arts community. Obviously, Tester had no idea there was any improprieties, but I don't think he should let his employees drive children home. Most schools, child care centers, studios teaching children, etc. would prohibit that.
News Watcher
Thu, Jan 20, 2011 : 12:34 p.m.
Thank you, annarbor.com, for a thorough reporting job on this difficult issue. Sadly, despite the fact that the accused teaches at a Chelsea-area school, the Chelsea newspaper's web site only mentions his name, age, the charges, and that he is from Ann Arbor. NOTHING about the fact that he taught for years, and up until this incident came to light, in Chelsea, to mainly Chelsea-based children. How is that a service to the community? Here's hoping that the print issue, due today, is more thorough. Never have we seen such skewed reporting; Oh, no, things like that don't happen over there!
Chelsea Resident
Fri, Jan 21, 2011 : 12:59 p.m.
Nothing in yesterday's paper. Maybe next week's?
bromandude
Thu, Jan 20, 2011 : 5:01 a.m.
whoops. somehow my post came up under bromandude's name. I'm "anothermom"
bromandude
Thu, Jan 20, 2011 : 4:57 a.m.
My family was also involved with JR's classes. We really liked and admired him a lot, but that doesn't mean we would ignore what these children have to say. This effusive outpouring of support for the alleged abuser needs to be balanced with the same amount of support and compassion for the alleged victims. I can't help reading these comments from the perspective of these children who have reported abuse. Reporting abuse is a serious trauma. How much harder is it to read that other people you knew at the school seem to like this man too much to believe you? Sure would be convenient for us parents if we could just discount this whole thing because he was so nice to everyone and we liked him. That way, our children were never in danger. That way, we could avoid these discussions we are now forced to have with our children. That way, we wouldn't have to wonder... And, I don't know about the rest of the parents, but I feel guilty, angry, nauseous, frightened, confused, betrayed. If I feel this badly, how much worse is it for the children involved? I sure did enjoy JR's classes but ... 1)Children rarely lie about this. 2)Whatever the motorists saw going on in JR's vehicle had to be pretty disturbing to make them to call 911. 3)Two other children have made reports. 4) Also, I think the police that searched JR's home know kiddie porn when they see it. 5) pedophiles HAVE to be a nice guy that everyone likes. How else will he get access to children? 6) Pedophiles place themselves in situations that allow them continued access to children. 7) I was uncomfortable for the first year or so that we began in JR's classes because he was so eager to drive our child, although we had not asked for transportation help. Mr. Trester's classes are excellent, and we regret that this unfortunate situation may reflect badly on his school. This is a terrible thing with just one teacher and certainly doesn't represent this fine school. I'm sad for all of us.
scooter dog
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 11:53 p.m.
If he is guilty of doing this and lotsa people saw him doing this then he will get his due in prison. Cons have very little use for child abusers.
julieswhimsies
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 9:19 p.m.
I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. It has taken me many years of treatment and therapy to heal. If this man is found to be guilty of this heinous crime, I hope he never sees freedom again.
Sharon
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 8:27 p.m.
I think it is odd also that the story states the child was being sexually "assaulted" while the perpetrator was driving the vehicle. I think there is something wrong in this story. There very well may have been something going on but the verbage in the story is not sitting right with me.
Chelsea Resident
Fri, Jan 21, 2011 : 1 p.m.
You've never held hands with your husband while driving? Now use your imagination.
Spunkymonkey
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 7:46 p.m.
The presumption of innocence…to dare or venture without prior knowledge that one is innocent. Prior to learning what witnesses reported, prior to an investigation that led to an arrest, prior to charges being filed against him, prior to a second victim coming forward after 6 years of living with a horrifying secret, sure, I would have presumed the man was an upstanding citizen sharing his knowledge and joy of a fantastic sport. Presume he is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, fine with me if you do. But I will not dare to presume that this man is still innocent.
DBH
Thu, Jan 20, 2011 : 4:24 p.m.
Spunkymonkey, the initial reporting of charges, witnesses, and reported evidence is not always accurate or relevant, which is why trials are held. An infamous case from the 1980s (search for McMartin preschool trial in Wikipedia or elsewhere) was a slam dunk as presented in the media at the time. Later it was revealed that the "evidence" as reported was questionable at best, manufactured or coerced. After 6 years of trials, there were no convictions and all charges were dropped. My point is that what is presented in the media, or by the arresting officers, is only one side of the story. To assume this accurately represents what all the facts are is naïve. Why the rush to judgment on this website or elsewhere? Wait for the trial or, if there should be one, the plea agreement before weighing in on the heinousness of the crime or the accused. Nonetheless, I doubt that you are swayed by my short argument here. If you are not, please be forthright with the judge if you should ever be called for jury duty in a case in which you hold similar prejudices. The judge would dismiss you straightaway from jury duty, and rightly so.
Spunkymonkey
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 11:40 p.m.
If the circumstances are similar for any accusations against me (witnesses, an investigation that leads to my arrest, charges, other victims coming forward accusing me of the same crime, and search warrants that lead to supporting evidence of my crime - see related article)...I wouldn't expect anything less. And just FYI, my original comment was in response to a repetitve poster that only said 'Presumption of innocence' on every comment on this article. 1) it was very annoying, and 2) I just wanted to make a point on my perspective in this case. Anyways, looks like all of his comments have been removed...but I was just making my point that in this specific incident, things are highly stacked against this man's innocence.
DBH
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 11:04 p.m.
Then expect anyone/everyone to consider you guilty as charged if and when you might ever be accused of a crime, whether or not the accusation is justified.
Donttasemebro
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 7:43 p.m.
What exactly does it add to the story to put the owner of the gym's, occupation and place of employment in the article? He is not the SUSPECTED criminal in this matter.
Chelsea Resident
Fri, Jan 21, 2011 : 1:05 p.m.
I was busy at work when a friend told me some martial arts instructor had been arrested for molesting a kid. My kid's not old enough to train but if he was you better believe I'd want to know where this happened and who hired this creep, so I can avoid that place like the plague. The owner's a cop in my community? Can't say I feel reassured.
ConcernedYouth
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 7:43 p.m.
As an 18 year old girl who was taught by him for 3 years about 5 years ago, I am so shocked to see this. My parents called me when the article was published, worried that he may have done something to me that I never came out about, but he never did. He was always a fatherly figure to everyone I saw, and I never saw anything inappropriate... This is terrifying to me, and my heart goes out to the victims.
Ben Franklin
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 7:13 p.m.
I have kids who have trained with J.R. for years . I am also a parent who has stayed for every class and paid attention . All the kids love J.R. and respect him . J.R. always treats the kids in a positive way , never anything creepy or inapropriate . I notice that there is a rush to judgment on the part of many people on this page , I hope and pray this is some horrible mistake and untill I know different I will presume innocense of the man I have known to do only good and pray for all involved .
Chelsea Resident
Fri, Jan 21, 2011 : 1:07 p.m.
Can't be much of a horrible mistake if the police were concerned enough to get a search warrant AND actually found suspected child porn in the guy's house. Child porn doesn't get into people's houses by horrible mistakes.
Paul Gutschlag
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 7:13 p.m.
Sad but not surprising that this is the most active comment thread today.
djm12652
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 7:10 p.m.
@andrew mackee mason...one anecdote or isolated incident? So I must assume you were referring to my childhood and what I went through as anecdotal? I could have sworn it really happened...silly me. Let's all jump on the bandwagon that totally invalidates the victims of child molesters, odds are the "alleged" perps only commit this heinous act once.
Joe Hood
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 6:31 p.m.
Why is there racking of brains on this matter? Two organizations I work with (Catholic Church and Boy Scouts) both have systems in place to not allow a single adult to be in contact with a single child. How is any other organization that deals with kids and adults working together get by without the same programs? You can never be sure who is mentally deranged but you can set up checks and balances. Where is the outrage to this?
Chelsea Resident
Fri, Jan 21, 2011 : 1:14 p.m.
Exactly. Where I trained, the owners and instructors required that parents stay for classes instead of ducking out to talk on the phone or shop. The staff couldn't socialize with students outside of the school and instructors NEVER gave rides to kids, even if there's a tournament and the kid has no way to get there. Sorry, kid, maybe next time Mommy or Daddy will schedule your activity into their calendar. Have to agree that Boy Scouts and the Church aren't the best examples, though. But I hear you. I wonder if Rec and Ed has rules about coaches giving rides to the kids on their teams. Sure hope so.
Joe Hood
Thu, Jan 20, 2011 : 6:08 p.m.
@Ben Franklin: Are you saying these two organizations are completely different and completely cut off from the rest of civilized society, therefore there is nothing we can learn here? You need to take a class to find out how deranged people act. They act as normal upstanding citizens but with a horrible dark side. If you are concerned about the welfare of your kids, make sure the organization that is helping guide your kids has the proper policy in place and that it is enforced through training and practiced.
Ben Franklin
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 7:21 p.m.
really?? The Catholic Church and the bot scouts ??? You should take a closer look at those organizations and you will find they dont have great track records by any account .
pegret
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 6:13 p.m.
Kudos to the passing motorists who took the time to alert police that something suspicious was going on with this driver/vehicle.
robyn
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 5:57 p.m.
I really have to feel for the parents of kids that have trained with this man. Learning about this the way they have has got to be shocking. Not only that - no matter how close of a relationship you have with your child - broaching this subject with them has to be terribly difficult. annarbor.com has had some very good articles written by local child psychologists and other experts in child/parent relationships. If this story becomes what the police fear it may become - with more victims coming forward, it may be a valuable public service to publish an article about how to bring up and talk about an issue like this with your child - especially if they have been a student or have had any type of relationship with a person who is (very strongly) suspected of doing this.
anothermom
Fri, Jan 21, 2011 : 3:21 a.m.
I appreciate your comments. You are right. This is unspeakably difficult to deal with. My son trained with JR for years, and approaching him with concerns that he may have had a bad experience with this monster is very tricky. And, most parents don't have the experience to feel confidant about how to go about it. It is hard to suppress my own anger, guilt, disgust in order to be strong for my kid.
robyn
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 6:42 p.m.
@ Andrew: Whether he is guilty or innocent (and I didn't say he was either) - these parents sill need to talk to their children. The sooner the better. IF he has done nothing wrong, thenparents have had the opportunity to have an open and honest discussion with their kids. IF he is guilty and there are more victims - those parents are aware and can do whatever they need to do to help their child through this. At this point - JR Bruner is an adult and can fend for himself - my concern is with the children/families that may have been harmed.
A2Resident
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 5:46 p.m.
My child also attended Victory TKD in Chelsea while this man was teaching there. I am very upset and I hope that all the families are being contacted as that school went out of business. This article title does make it seem as if it's an Ann Arbor TKD studio. It needs to be communicated that he was also in the Ann Arbor Public schools, numerous other TKD studios and teaching home-schooled children in Ann Arbor. Get the word out. If he was doing this 6 years ago, it is likely that there are more than 2 victims.
Wooper
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 5:21 p.m.
Two of my children trained with this man. I hope that this is a mistake. He worked at Victory Tae Kwon Do in Chelsea. Is anyone contacting parents that brought their kids to Victory?
News Watcher
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 6:04 p.m.
I know of three martial arts schools where this instructor taught. Two of them are out of business. Maybe an indication???
News Watcher
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 4:49 p.m.
This is honestly shocking. My son trained with him about 10 years ago. He insists nothing untoward ever happened, but that he is not surprised by the news! I may always harbor my doubts about this. I hope that if there were other victims, that they do come forward, with their family's love and support. A side note to annarbor.com: when I first saw the headline, I immediately thought this was an article about an instructor from Ann Arbor Tae Kwon Do, which is the name of a martial arts school based in Ann Arbor. You may want to change your headline to avoid any issues you may be causing that school, which is completely uninvolved with the issue at hand.
News Watcher
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 7:27 p.m.
Thank you for changing the way the headline was worded. The way it previously read was doing a disservice to Ann Arbor Tae Kwon Do.
Angel7
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 4:01 p.m.
Still no release from annarbornews.com on the Lodi Township suspects but name and photo here.
Amalie Nash
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 4:05 p.m.
Are you referring to this case? We published their names and photos in this story: <a href="http://annarbor.com/news/crime/two-saline-residents-charged-in-connection-to-lodi-township-home-invasion/">http://annarbor.com/news/crime/two-saline-residents-charged-in-connection-to-lodi-township-home-invasion/</a>
Rusnak
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 3:38 p.m.
Stories are like this if true, are devastating. Guys in my high school very sexually abused, guys you sat next to in class or, were friends with and you never knew it. The destruction this man did both physically and mentally to his victims is lifelong, they will never recover from it. To you parents out there reading this, be more vigilant. Why was the boy in the car with this man in the first place? If someone wants to take your kid somewhere be aware. Predators gain the parents trust to get to the child and they look for children who might be having trouble at home, school, or maybe the kid that just doesn't fit in. Guys I knew in high school never said anything till later in life. They were ashamed, that no one would believe them (this coach was "respected, and a mentor"), they would be teased or, that it was their fault. Discuss with your children that these predators are out there.
Carol
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 3:13 p.m.
Hope everyone also keeps the man's family in mind. They are all in shock, had absolutely no clue this was happening, and are totally devastated. They are harmed as much as the victims are.
djm12652
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 5:49 p.m.
Carol, being embarassed by the actions of a family member cannot even come close to the horror of being molested as a child...to this I can personally attest.
nimbus123
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 2:38 p.m.
@smart, what in the world are they teaching you in that class? Sounds like you or that teacher have an agenda.
limmy
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 1:35 p.m.
I note that he is a heterosexual married man who molests boys. Some people assume that men who molest boys are homosexual, but this is actually pretty common.
Smart
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 1:34 p.m.
Since we all know the sexual act of rape has nothing to do with sex I wonder why this is called a "sexual" assault. I learned this in my women's studies classes. People who molest and rape people shouldn't have to register as sex offenders then because it's really not about making love which is the only really reason people have sex is to make love. Thanks
Matt Cooper
Thu, Jan 20, 2011 : 3:12 a.m.
Smart: Let me just take a guess here. I'm thinking that although rape is not a crime of sexual desire, it most certainly is a crime involving a sexual act. Not necessarily intercourse, but certainly acts of a sexual nature. I've you've taken women's studies, I would have thought that your professor would have pointed out this distinction.
djm12652
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 7:19 p.m.
@Smart...So what would you call the offenders registry?
indigonation
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 10:16 a.m.
This story is very odd and creepy. I am glad he got caught.
robyn
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 7:57 a.m.
I'm surprised that no one has commented on the fact that he worked so closely with a police officer and the officer never had any suspicions or saw any indication that something may have been going on. It really is a bit unnerving that even a person that would probably be more inclined to 'tune into' behaviors that many of us would miss or dismiss can be just as shocked as the rest of us when it involves someone we trust. I imagine that IF this man is guilty/found guilty - there will be quite a few people racking their brain and wondering what they missed or how they missed it. Not just on the part of the alleged abuser - but also in the victims themselves. It has to be total nightmare for those parents as well as for their children...
ConcernedYouth
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 10:10 p.m.
This is a very good point, and as a person that interacted with him on a weekly basis for years I can honestly say that while at class he was never inappropriate, so there would be nothing for Master Trester to see. Also, I think that people have a dramatized view of child molesters and other sexual offenders as scary monsters, but having a fondness for inappropriate choices doesn't have any outward manifestations other than those actions themselves. There is no sign that distinguishes an offender from any other person on the street.
Reneey
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 6:19 a.m.
My prayers go out to these victims and their families, this guy is an animal and deserves to be treated like one, parents be ALERT!!
ConcernedYouth
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 10:08 p.m.
Just because someone makes a bad choice, even if that choice is socially considered disgusting, it doesn't mean that he or she is a monster in all other aspects of life. I was a student in his TKD classes for many years, and never once met this "animal" that you are accusing him of being. I am in no way condoning what he did, but I do not think that calling him an animal will fix anything. Unfortunately being inappropriate is something that humans so sometimes, and that is something people need to realize.
Andrew MacKie-Mason
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 6:12 p.m.
Again, the idea that we should forget people's humanity is deeply disturbing. Also, there's something called the presumption of innocence.
Hallie
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 3:54 a.m.
I just found out that I live 2 doors down from him and have been for the past few years! I am so sickened by this...especially because I have little kids!!!
CJdriver
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 3:14 a.m.
If found guilty he should go to prison? I hope he is good at martial arts? That charge is not very popular in prison as I've heard?
Andrew MacKie-Mason
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 6:11 p.m.
It sickens me that there are people who celebrate the fact that people will be beaten up and abused in prison. This is a symptom of a blood lust culture: we aren't content to send people to prison, we have to wish abuse, sexual assault, even death on them while they're locked up.
DBH
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 2:43 a.m.
The recidivism rate for child molesters is difficult to determine due to many factors (Google the phrase and you will receive the usual tens of thousands of hits). Without regard to the guilt or innocence of the accused in this article, suffice it to say that "sooner or later they do it again" is a likely exaggeration, based on the published research.
DBH
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 11:13 p.m.
DJM, I truly regret and sympathize with any molestation or other abuse you may have suffered in your life. My point was to respond to Craig Lounsbury who stated uncategorically that if someone commits a crime of molestation they necessarily will commit another in the future, given the chance. I do not dispute that there are repeat offenders (including, apparently, in your case); I do dispute, though, that one offense automatically means that repeat offenses will occur. Andrew Mackie-Mason's comment about an anecdotal report does not mean that he does not believe you, only that it is a series of one and, therefore, not information from which broad generalizations (such as made by Craig Lounsbury) can be made. Do not mistake my efforts to shed light on an unjustified statement as being an exaggeration for a lack of empathy for you or any other victims of molestation.
Andrew MacKie-Mason
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 6:10 p.m.
djm: One single anecdote or isolated incident says absolutely nothing about how often offenders are rehabilitated and how often they reoffend.
djm12652
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 5:55 p.m.
DBH...really? So the second time I was molested, by the same person, is just an exaggeration? Suffice it to say...way to go on showing compassion for children and adults that are in pain from repeat offenders.
Craig Lounsbury
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 12:57 a.m.
My usual response to these things.... If he is found guilty we the people should lock him up and throw away the key. If he's guilty there is no cure for the demon that haunts him. There should be no second chance for people who molest children because sooner or later they do it again.
Matt Cooper
Thu, Jan 20, 2011 : 3:09 a.m.
And you both base this rather uneducated opinion on what factual basis? Several studies show that with counseling and other rehabilitation this type of criminal can be sucessfully rehabilitated. It would be nice if people would educate themselves as to what the truh really is before making statements like yours.
jcj
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 1:59 a.m.
Craig, Ditto I am with you all the way on this one!
Stefanie Murray
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 12:40 a.m.
I'd like to remind commenters that the person charged has been charged, and not yet convicted, of a crime. Thank you.
Stephanie
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 12:32 a.m.
It's just beyond disgusting that he did it where people could see him doing it. It's bad enough for a child who suffers that to live with the memories of what happened, but to know people saw it is even worse. On the other hand at least it led to him being caught.
Spunkymonkey
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 4:41 p.m.
@Gorc I may be wrong, but I read Stephanie's post that the child not only has to suffer with the memories of what has happened, but also knowing that someone saw it happen. It just makes it even more embarrassing for the child.
Gorc
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 1:52 p.m.
Stephanie, please clarify. "but the people who saw it even worse." I understand that both the victim and witnesses had a horrible experience and that you would agree with that. But your sentence is worded that the witnesses of this crime had it "worse" the child who was violated. I feel much more sympathy for the child. Society is better off that adults, in the form of witnesses, saw it too. Those witnesses can help get a predator off the streets.
Steffetta
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 12:16 a.m.
Well, I don't really want to know exactly how it happened. I'm just glad I didn't have to witness it. How awful for the child and the people who saw it.
John of Saline
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : midnight
So he was assaulting the child while driving? That sounds kind of odd.
Andrew MacKie-Mason
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 6:09 p.m.
Presumption of innocence.