San Jose Hit With Multiple Sexual Harassment Scandals

Over the past few weeks and months, San Jose has seen a stunning number of sexual harassment and abuse scandals. Those accused include boxing instructors, youth pastors, and even barbers. Many of these people are abusing their positions of trust and authority in the San Jose community, luring innocent people under the guise of education or services. If you have experienced this type of harassment or abuse firsthand, you are not alone. With help from an experienced sexual harassment lawyer in the Bay Area, you can pursue justice and compensation. 

San Jose Boxing Instructor Accused of Sexually Assaulting His Own Students

In November of 2024, a boxing instructor in San Jose was charged with numerous counts of sexual assault. The individual in question is a registered sex offender who had previously been convicted of a felony in 2019. In this prior incident, he had committed lewd acts with a minor in a boxing gym. 

Somehow, this individual was able to open his own boxing gym despite his prior felony sex crime conviction. Inevitably, he went on to sexually abuse two of his boxing students and one of his employees. In total, he faces seven felony counts of sexual assault – and he is likely to spend many years in prison if convicted. 

Both of the boxing students report that the instructor offered them free private massages. After accepting the massage, the instructor went on to grope them in private. The female employee claims that the instructor refused to pay her unless she sent him nude photographs of herself. 

Other employees claim that they were forced to sign non-disclosure agreements – and they were threatened with legal action if they ever reported what they witnessed at the gym. Of course, these agreements were unenforceable because California does not uphold NDAs that prevent people from reporting crimes. Refusing to pay an employee unless she provides nudes is a clear example of extortion. 

With all that said, the defendant has vehemently denied all of the allegations made against him – and he is innocent until proven guilty. 

This incident is eerily similar to another sex abuse scandal earlier in 2024. This case involved a taekwondo instructor in San Jose who pleaded no contest to child molestation charges. Two 15-year-old sisters accused the man of gradually grooming them until the abuse became sexual in nature. For whatever reason, the judge allowed the instructor to continue teaching children after delivering the sentence – but he was forced to register as a sex offender. 

Youth Pastor Faces Numerous Charges of Sexually Abusing Minors

Also in November of 2024, it was reported that a youth pastor had been charged with numerous counts of child sexual abuse. The man no longer works as a youth pastor and is now a well-known director of a non-profit organization in San Jose. Some of the victims were under the age of 14 when the abuse occurred, and the incidents began in 2013. 

Among other things, the defendant was accused of showering naked with children and touching them inappropriately. One female victim claims that she was taken advantage of at a young age, as the defendant allegedly befriended her at a time when she was “particularly vulnerable.” 

New reports of clergy abuse continue to arise throughout the Bay Area, implying that the scope of this problem is probably far worse than most people realize. 

Barber in the Bay Area on the Run for Sexual Assault Charges

Also in November, police in the Bay Area reported that they were trying to find a barber who had sexually assaulted two men. After being arrested, he posted bail and skipped his next court appearance. He currently faces life in prison, and he reportedly kidnapped one of his own clients. Police say that in addition to the two confirmed victims, as many as 20 people may have been sexually assaulted by this individual.  

Pursue Justice With an Experienced Sexual Harassment Lawyer in the Bay Area

Although it may be difficult to speak out about sexual harassment in the Bay Area, legal action could provide you with a sense of justice and closure. In addition, it may provide compensation for your various damages, including humiliation, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and many other legitimate psychological issues. If you need to attend therapy, your lawsuit may cover the cost of these appointments. To learn more about the next steps, consider reaching out to Mary Alexander & Associates. We have helped numerous Bay Area residents with sexual harassment lawsuits, and we can do the same for you.