Suspected child pornography found at home of Ann Arbor area tae kwon do instructor, police say
Michigan State Police investigators searched the Scio Township home of a local martial arts instructor accused of sexually assaulting a child and found suspected child pornography, authorities said this afternoon.
A third person has come forward with allegations in what police say could be a lengthy and complicated investigation into a man who taught Tae Kwon Do at local studios for years.
Edward James Bruner, known as J.R., is being held without bond and currently faces two counts of criminal sexual conduct. Bruner, 58, was arrested Sunday after motorists reported seeing him sexually assaulting a 12-year-old boy in his vehicle on I-94 near Chelsea.
State Police Detective Sgt. Dale Smith confirmed today that police executed a search warrant Tuesday evening at Bruner's home in Scio Farms Estates off Jackson Road in Scio Township. Smith said computers and other evidence were seized, and suspected child pornography was found.
Edward James Bruner
Bruner currently only faces charges in the incident Sunday. Smith said he has been in contact with prosecutors and will seek additional charges based on the new cases.
Bruner is next scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on Jan. 27.
The second victim, a man now 19, reported being sexually assaulted by Bruner six years ago, according to police. A female victim also came forward today, Smith said, but he declined to provide additional details of that case.
Investigators have now begun piecing together Bruner's past, where he taught tae kwon do and where he may have had contact with children.
Most recently, he was an instructor at Kitchi Tae Kwon Do in Dexter Township, where he met the 12-year-old boy, police said. The owner of that studio, Mike Trester, said he has held meetings with parents and is cooperating with police.
Several parents who spoke to AnnArbor.com said Bruner previously taught at the now-closed Victory TKD in Chelsea and Ann Arbor West Tae Kwon Do, as well as other studios in the Chelsea area. Smith said police received information that he was a Boy Scout troop leader at one point.
Chelsea resident Howard Cooper said his 14-year-old son and 18-year-old daughter were students at Victory TKD.
"I thought J.R. was a really nice guy. I was amazed when I heard (of the arrest)," Cooper said. "He was always goofing around with kids, not in an unprofessional way and was friendly. I haven't spoken to him in a long time, but he seemed like a good person."
Bruner, who has been married for more than 30 years, has two adult children, police said.
Smith urged any additional victims to come forward, as well as anyone who saw Bruner driving on I-94 Sunday evening.
"We're just at the beginning stages of a long investigation," Smith said.
Anyone with information can call the Michigan State Police Ypsilanti post detective bureau at 734-482-1211.
Comments
kev2012
Thu, Jan 20, 2011 : 7:54 p.m.
I worked with JR for 15 years and I must say that I never got a "creepy" feeling about him. Maybe things have changed in him over the 6 years since I moved out of state but all of my former co-workers that informed me of this have all had just about the same reaction as me; goes to show you never really know someone.
A2Resident
Thu, Jan 20, 2011 : 4:13 p.m.
My kids trained with JR as well. I can say that I didn't see this coming because naturally you give people the benefit of the doubt unless they show obvious signs of mental/behavioral issues. He was a little different but I concluded that as he was just a different person than myself. I am shocked that he did this but at the same time I am not going to sit here and defend him as some other parents are. My kids trained with him for 5 years and in that time I can't say that he was such an extrordinary person that he would never do something like this. I just can't say that. He was nice, he treated my kids with respect, he taught them well but that means nothing. People just don't know what goes on when others aren't around.
Wooper
Thu, Jan 20, 2011 : 6:02 p.m.
I don't think many, if any, are defending J R. I think what people are saying is that they saw some of his positive attributes. I think everyone here will support putting him behind bars if he is found guilty. Nobody in their right mind would ever defend the sexual assault of a child. What I and others have seen in JR may not be representative of his true character, but don't confuse this with defending him.
Amalie Nash
Thu, Jan 20, 2011 : 3:16 p.m.
To clarify — Detective Sgt. Dale Smith told me that what was found was child pornography, based on his training and experience, but a forensic analysis is always conducted to verify those findings. That's why it's phrased as suspected child pornography at this point, since a forensic analysis of the computers has not yet been conducted.
Andrea
Thu, Jan 20, 2011 : 2:10 p.m.
For what it's worth, my husband works at the same place as Bruner and on Tuesday morning when he heard that he was in jail, he guessed that it was for child molestation. This was before anything was posted on A2.com. My husband and a few other coworkers have had a "creepy" feeling about him for quite some time and cannot understand why other people didn't see it as well.
robyn
Thu, Jan 20, 2011 : 4:26 p.m.
My husband works there too - he is one of the people that was shocked - hurt - angry. Knowing that place and as gossipy as it can be, he always tries to give people the benefit of the doubt. He's always said that if he decided not to like someone based on what someone else said or thought - then he wouldn't like ANYONE he works with. But this totally threw him for a loop. This was beyond anything he would have though about one of his co-workers. I think he's more upset and angry about the guys who took their kids to train with JR. Not at them, but at the fact that JR used his friendship with them to have access to their kids. I think he's also relieved that he never took our kids to train with him. This story is effecting a lot of people in many ways.
seldon
Thu, Jan 20, 2011 : 1:48 p.m.
@Shadowmanager: "If anything, it sounds like this alleged pedophile was overly wrapped up in being physical ...in getting involved with other people in a physical way, through martial arts...than the average adult normally is. That's a danger sign right there." Are you seriously suggesting that studying the martial arts is a danger sign that someone might be a pedophile? Seriously? What's your evidence?
ShadowManager
Sat, Jan 22, 2011 : 3:33 a.m.
Exactly. Scout Leader, Martial Arts teacher, it doesn't make a difference what Bruner chose to do...he just always seemed to choose to do something that involved getting physical with kids first and foremost. All Martial Arts teachers aren't molesters...that's silly; but ALL pedophiles seem to graviatate towards pursuits that involve being with children. Was my point.
Chelsea Resident
Fri, Jan 21, 2011 : noon
In that case, do a search for "Boy Scout Leaders" and "molestation." Or "Coach" and "molestation." You'll pull up many more links than martial arts does. Does that mean that anyone who's been a Scout leader only does so because they want to molest boys? That kind of broad generalizing is ridiculous. Much more good comes out of Scouting and of martial arts than these isolated incidents. Jackie Chan is a martial artist and he's known for working for kids. Does that mean he's violated them??? Then again, the article DOES say that Bruner was also a Scout leader. Hmmm.
ShadowManager
Thu, Jan 20, 2011 : 4:27 p.m.
Also, do a search sometime on Google for "martial arts" and "molestation" and pages upon pages of "coincidential" links of cases of martial arts instructors molesting their students come up. I'd say they are giving priests a good run for their money in this department....a dubious honor to be sure.
ShadowManager
Thu, Jan 20, 2011 : 4:24 p.m.
They seem to like to physically touch young people alot more than say, an art teacher, or a soccer coach. And, well, this guy was one for many many years. That's my evidence.
Bill
Thu, Jan 20, 2011 : 12:23 p.m.
I think crime prevention definitely starts with citizens. I hope Edward James Bruner family manages to somehow survive the shame and disappointment. He is truly in need of counseling and a mental heath evaluation. Good luck.
GRANDPABOB
Thu, Jan 20, 2011 : 8:36 a.m.
The ACLU will probably say JR'S privacy rights were violated.
ThaKillaBee
Thu, Jan 20, 2011 : 2:46 p.m.
Well, sure, if that was actually the case. They'd defend anybody's right to privacy, especially since the person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
rrt911
Thu, Jan 20, 2011 : 3:22 a.m.
Wow. What a story. If this man did in fact assault any children, I hope he gets what's coming to him, (doubtful however). But if he didn't, this will ruin his life. I wish there was more detail about how he was seen in his car. Was it at a rest area? Was it in a moving vehicle? But I guess it's not really our business until there is a finding of guilt. I sure hope this doesn't get pleaded down if this man is guilty. In all likelihood, an individual with that kind of record just moves on. Reminds me a bit of several priests...no wonder I never liked organized religion. This may be just another example of men taking advantage of children they are supposed to be teaching something to. Nothing good will come out of this that's for sure.
Amalie Nash
Thu, Jan 20, 2011 : 3:45 a.m.
It was in a moving vehicle on I-94. Motorists noticed an erratic driver, observed the alleged sexual assault occurring in his vehicle and called 911.
ShadowManager
Thu, Jan 20, 2011 : 3:09 a.m.
People of "high character" don't normally get caught on the interstate assaulting children nor is child pornography usually found in their homes. Sounds like alot of people were (possibly) wrong about this guy. Being discliplined and on the martial arts mat is a far cry from actually being a good person off it. If anything, it sounds like this alleged pedophile was overly wrapped up in being physical ...in getting involved with other people in a physical way, through martial arts...than the average adult normally is. That's a danger sign right there.
Rich Rezler
Thu, Jan 20, 2011 : 1:31 a.m.
A comment that violates our conversation guidelines has been removed. It contained a personal attack.
News Watcher
Thu, Jan 20, 2011 : 1:07 a.m.
Predators who choose children as their targets often "groom" their prey: give them rides home, offer to take them places when parents are unavailable, present themselves in a professional yet friendly manner to gain the parents' trust. They also gain the trust of their victims, who then have to deal not only with the physical injuries but the mental-emotional consequences of being so horribly betrayed by their mentor, their coach, their instructor, their teacher -- and these are shown statistically to be the positions in which predators are most commonly found. As sad as it may be, everything that has been stated by this instructor's supporters fits completely with the profile of the typical child molester, as does the child pornography allegedly found at his home. With more victims speaking up, with witnesses to what occurred on the highway, with solid evidence confiscated by police, and with textbook grooming-of-prey techniques, it looks more and more doubtful that this is a "big mistake," as several people have posted. These supporters are undoubtly in denial -- after all, no one wants to admit they've been suckered by a sicko or were such a bad judge of character that they had faith in someone who has been charged with these crimes. Hopefully, the truth and justice will prevail... because it's not only the children who've been victimized, but also everyone who ever trusted this individual with their children.
julieswhimsies
Thu, Jan 20, 2011 : 6:58 p.m.
You are absolutely correct. Pedophiles often choose jobs or hobbies that bring them into close proximity with children. The perpetrators of these horrific crimes are often the last person one would expect.
Ben Franklin
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 10:30 p.m.
We are four black belts who have grown up at Kitchi Tae Kwon Do under the instruction of JR Bruner for about five years now. While we support anyone coming foward who has been the victim of a crime, we would point out that JR would have been the first person to tell us to do this. It's been our experience that JR is a man of high character. We have never felt uncomfortable around him or seen him do anything innapropriate. He and all the other instructers have taught us to defend ourselves against such attacks and report them. He has been nothing but kind, generous, and supportive to us. It is our sincerest hope that this turns out to be some horrible mistake. In the end we support JR's innocence unless proven guilty. -Emily, Lily, Danny, Rosie
anothermom
Fri, Jan 21, 2011 : 3:55 a.m.
I'm proud of you all for coming together and submitting a statement about this horrible mess. I'm sorry you kids (and zack) have to deal with such ugly stuff, but you are all smart, and strong and should stick together. You're going to be just fine. Be proud of those black belts! I hope you continue training. I'd love a chance to see the 5 of you training together again. marlena
Spunkymonkey
Thu, Jan 20, 2011 : 3:35 p.m.
@limmy - Victory TKD had been operating in Chelsea for a number of years before it shut down 2 years ago. When it closed, this place opened.
limmy
Thu, Jan 20, 2011 : 1:27 p.m.
So you have grown up with his instruction for 5 years? Everything I have read states that he has only taught there for 2 years.
bedrog
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 10:18 p.m.
I understand the need to say "alleged perp" or "suspect' until a trial determines guilt or innocence. But what's "suspected " kiddie porn?? it is or it isn't, isn't it?? ( the only ambiguous case i ever heard of was of a famous photographer's controversial images of her own kids).
akdms
Tue, Jan 25, 2011 : 7:39 p.m.
There have been cases in which people were arrested for alleged child porn that turned out to be a young looking adult (18+). As an example, look up Lupe Fuentes on wikipedia. When she was 18 she looked almost pre-pubescent, resulting in a man's arrest.
ThaKillaBee
Thu, Jan 20, 2011 : 2:42 p.m.
I just assumed "suspected" meant that the age of models in the photographs were ambiguous. You have to be 18 to pose nude, right? So it's still "kiddie porn" if the person is 17, but it might be hard to tell, hence it's "suspect" until investigators can determine the origins of the photos and the people in them.
A2Resident
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 9:40 p.m.
Mike Trester ran background checks and did his part. Equal employment opportunity. He is not to blame here. As far as looking into people's cars....have you ever looked up and seen a semi truck driver looking down at you? I'm assuming that the witness(es) were in semis or some other vehicle where thy could clearly see something, enough to call the police. There was more than 1 witness here.
News Watcher
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 9:46 p.m.
I don't think anyone is trying to blame Mr. Trester, just stating that as a police office who teaches self defense, he should have the training to pick up on the fact that the person he worked closely with might not be all that he seemed. As another person noted, background checks won't reveal anything if someone has never been caught. However, one's own instinct might signal that there's something a little off. My son trained with JR and he says there was something always a little creepy about him. I hope others will have the courage to come forward. Kudos to those witnesses who reported that JR's car was being driven erratically. We can only hope that other kids will come forward, too.
julieswhimsies
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 9:31 p.m.
Apparently, my previous comment was removed. I am a victim of childhood sexual abuse. It nearly ruined my life. I have spent years in treatment and therapy in order to recover from this nightmare. I do want to note that this man is "alleged" to be a pedophile. If he is found guilty, however, he should be punished to the fullest extent of the law.
julieswhimsies
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 9:24 p.m.
One other comment. Pedophiles are experts at escaping detection. They take advantage of a child's natural shame, and victims are often threatened with violence against themselves or family members. The fact that no one noticed any "signs" that this man was (an alleged) perpetrator does not surprise me all. Pedophiles are often married with children, and appear to be upstanding members of the community.
robyn
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 9:18 p.m.
Tester's judgment wasn't spot on??? He did background checks. I think he's probably as shocked as everyone else. It's kind of unfair to peg him with some sort of responsibility - as if he SHOULD have known. Just as it would be unfair to say something like that about parents that my just now be learning that their child was a victim. After all - parents should KNOW their kids and SEE that something is wrong... Sadly - that's just not the case. If there is any blame - responsibility or anyone that should be held accountable - it is the people that DO these things.
Howard
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 9:11 p.m.
I am actually the son of the Chelsea resident, "Howard Cooper" mentioned in this article. I am very shocked to hear about this, and I didn't believe it at first. I trained under J.R. and Master Trester for 4 years. Never ONCE had I seen J.R. do ANYTHING inappropriate or strange towards other kids. I actually looked up to him as my mentor, and he was a great man, always giving me good advice. I am startled at this, and though I do feel for the families and the victims, I do hope that this was a mistake, and that it is at least a little bit less of a deal than it appears to be. He was a nice man, and was a GREAT instructor. And to the parents out there who may be wondering why there were kids in his car: He was a great man, and whenever kids at the studio could not find a ride home, he was generous enough to bring them home. To those concerned as to why even Master Trester (Lt. Detective) did not see this coming: I don't think ANYONE saw this coming. He was in no way that type of person. He was a great mentor to many people, and no one would ever think he would do such a thing. Also, to the others who are concerned about whether the parents of the other students there know about this: Master Trester contacted all of the families of those attending this studio. They too were shocked to hear of this unfortunate event. My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families, as well as J.R.'s family as they go through this rough time.
Blue
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 8:53 p.m.
Thank goodness this creep is off the streets! It would be nice however If the news would let us know what id going on after all this initial publicity. I am still waiting to see anything reported on the last guy that was splashed all over the news for sexually assaulting a child - Richard Fabian. Where is he now?
Bob Needham
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 9:01 p.m.
We always try to keep updated. As this story notes, Richard Fabian pleaded guilty to a lesser charge and faces sentencing in March: <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/news/former-ann-arbor-real-estate-broker-admits-to-possessing-child-pornography/">http://www.annarbor.com/news/former-ann-arbor-real-estate-broker-admits-to-possessing-child-pornography/</a>
MjC
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 8:40 p.m.
I'm always grateful to the people who report a crime or take action when something isn't right. My heart goes out to the victims.
ThaKillaBee
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 8:23 p.m.
@loves_fall, I agree. I'd certainly call the police if I saw something unusual, but how often am I looking in other people's cars? Never, unless I'm merging in and waving a quick thanks…. even then I rarely see much more than a shadowy face. I'm not sure I want to know, but I do admit I'm curious as to what exactly the man was doing to the child that it was visible to others.
justme2
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 8:22 p.m.
I have a feeling that there will be more victims coming forward soon.
Mr. Ed
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 8:22 p.m.
Is that the same Mike Trester that works for WCSO as a Lt in charge of the detectives ? If so I guess his judgement was not spot on.
Amalie Nash
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 8:29 p.m.
Yes, the earlier story noted where Mike Trester works: <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/news/crime/ann-arbor-tae-kwon-do-instructor-charged-with-sexually-assaulting-12-year-old-on-freeway-near-chelse/">http://www.annarbor.com/news/crime/ann-arbor-tae-kwon-do-instructor-charged-with-sexually-assaulting-12-year-old-on-freeway-near-chelse/</a>
justme2
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 8:24 p.m.
He ran background checks on his employees. If it wasn't on Bruner's record, Mike wouldn't have known.
loves_fall
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 7:58 p.m.
Kudos to the motorists who alerted police. I'm not sure if I would trust my perceptions enough to feel confident making that call and risking being wrong (though it probably depends on how obvious it was). I tend not to look much at my fellow travelers while I'm driving but it's good to know some people are, and that they're doing the right thing when they see a problem.
loves_fall
Wed, Jan 19, 2011 : 8:01 p.m.
Point being, before this gets deleted for its off-topicness, it sounds like this guy may have had quite an extensive history and other victims, and if it weren't for someone being alert, who knows if it ever would have come to light.