Former Tae Kwon Do instructor pleads guilty to sexually assaulting 2 children, possession of child porn
Edward James Bruner has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting two children younger than 13 and possession of child pornography, Washtenaw County Chief Deputy Assistant Prosecutor Steve Hiller said today.
Bruner, 58, of Scio Township, pleaded guilty at a pre-trial hearing Tuesday to two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct against a child younger than 13 and one count of possession of child sexually abusive material, Hiller said.
First-degree criminal sexual conduct is a felony offense and carries a maximum penalty of life in prison. Possession of child sexually abusive material is a felony offense and carries a maximum penalty of four years in prison, Hiller said.
Edward James Bruner
A sentencing agreement states Bruner shall serve no fewer than 20 and no more than 30 years in prison, Hiller said.
One count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct was dismissed, Hiller said.
Bruner is to appear back in court for sentencing May 3.
The former Tae Kwon Do instructor, known as "Master J.R. Bruner" to students, was arrested Jan. 16 after drivers told police they saw him sexually assaulting a 12-year-old boy in his vehicle on I-94 near Chelsea. At the time, Bruner was an instructor at Kitchi Tae Kwon Do in Dexter Township, where the 12-year-old victim was a student of his, troopers said.
Michigan State Police Det. Sgt. Dale Smith confirmed in January that police executed a search warrant at Bruner's home in Scio Farms Estates off Jackson Road in Scio Township and seized computers and other evidence.
Since Bruner’s arrest, a second man, now 19, reported that Bruner sexually assaulted him at a Chelsea home on one occasion in 2004, Trooper Todd Etue said in February. The young man was a student of Bruner's at an area Tae Kwon Do studio at that time, Smith said.
According to court records, Bruner's wife of more than 34 years has filed for divorce.
Bruner remains at the Washtenaw County Jail.
Heather Lockwood is a reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at heatherlockwood@annarbor.com or follow her on Twitter.
Comments
Garden Goddess
Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 7:24 p.m.
This individual was not only a Martial Arts Master he was a master of surrounding himself with people and family of good standing. He was an artist at using those around him for cover to acheive his means. My prayers and sympathies go to all the individuals that were hurt by this man physically and emotionally. He has left a trail of destruction to all of those that knew him.
rrt911
Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 8:21 p.m.
I recall a few people (at least) that had been former students and commented on what a stellar citizen this guy was; now to hear the horrible truth. What a shock to learn that someone you trusted and believed in could do something this apprehensible. The number of people affected by this predatory behavior spreads further than one might initially think. His wife, his children, his immediate family, anyone who trained at this business and finally, the young people who will have to sort through this devastating experience. Very sad indeed.
Treelover
Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 5:12 p.m.
and he was teaching at a place owned by a cop???
Brian M.
Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 3:16 p.m.
God that's awful. His poor wife. Hopefully the children he assaulted end up moving on and leading a life relatively unaffected by what happened to them.
Greg
Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 11:33 a.m.
Given that the penalty hasn't even been set and someone is already badmouthing the govenor about this is nuts. Next step, blame to govenor for the weather. ? Why not, same great logic, he is the govenor and theyfore responsible. Our new govenor did not create the current economic conditions in case you did not take the time to notice. Try to keep the hate to a controllable level.
RJA
Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 3:20 a.m.
If Bruner spends no less then 20 yrs. and no more than 30 yrs. in jail or prison, at his age I would consider this a life sentence.
Muhammad
Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 3:06 a.m.
Clearly just give this man some rehabilatation with state tax payer money. Does treatmen classes work... no but it makes us feel good.
Garrett
Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 5:12 p.m.
Treatment does work.
20/20
Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 1:47 a.m.
How much time we he spend behind bars, given a 20 year minimum sentnce? Given the fact that our new Governor is a business man, and wants to save money, probably two years top. Or maybe, he can cut the state correction officer's salaries and benefits, and keep him in there for an additional year or two. Yeah, that's the answer.
Muhammad
Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 3:04 a.m.
What?