A shocking case in Colorado has led to a 50-year prison sentence for 32-year-old taekwondo instructor Erik Chen, who secretly filmed children in changing rooms.
This disturbing incident came to light after authorities uncovered hundreds of thousands of photographs and videos in his possession, leading to his conviction.
Colorado Taekwondo Instructor Admits to Felony Charges
Chen, who had been teaching taekwondo for over a decade in Colorado, pleaded guilty to three felony counts of sexual exploitation of a child earlier this year. On September 15, Douglas County District Judge Patricia Herron handed down the harsh sentence, as reported by the office of District Attorney John Kellner.
The revelation has left the local community in shock and dismay. Han Won Lee, who has been operating martial arts centers in the area for 27 years, expressed his disbelief at Chen’s actions.
Lee had employed Chen for a decade and was completely unaware of his employee’s horrifying activities. He described the discovery as “completely devastating” and reiterated his commitment to protecting his students, expressing his intentions to provide a safe learning environment for children.
Read more: Kim Jong Un Returns From Russia With Strengthened Comradely Bonds, North Korean Announcement
Authorities Uncover a Disturbing Trove
Chen faced numerous charges, including producing and possessing sexually explicit materials of children, unlawful sexual contact, enticement of a child, criminal attempts at enticement, and invasion of privacy for sexual gratification.
The initial investigation began in February 2021 when a father reported that his daughters had discovered Chen’s phone recording them while they were in a changing room. Although an incident report was filed at the time, there was insufficient probable cause for Chen’s arrest.
However, the case took a significant turn four months later when a therapist reported that one of her young clients disclosed being recorded by Chen in the recreation center’s restroom in 2020.
Subsequently, it was revealed that Chen had been leaving his backpack in changing rooms and bathrooms during summer camps, placing a recording cell phone inside, as disclosed in the district attorney’s release.
Authorities seized computers, DVDs, CDs, and a trove of pictures of children between the ages of 8 and 12 from Chen’s home in August 2021. Approximately 200,000 images and well over 1,000 videos containing child sexual abuse material, some obtained online and others self-recorded, were discovered.
The community has rallied behind the victims and expressed gratitude for their courage in speaking out.
Upon his release, Chen will be registered as a sex offender for life, ensuring that he will no longer pose a threat to children. District Attorney John Kellner commended the victims for their bravery, stating that their actions likely spared others from being victimized by Chen and ensuring the safety of the community’s children.
Read more: More Relief On The Way: $4,555 In Social Security Payments To Be Released
