A Bradenton martial arts instructor is facing criminal charges after detectives say he sexually abused a 14-year-old student he met at his facility.
Brennon Cooper Brown, 24, was charged with three felony counts of lewd or lascivious assault on a minor. According to his arrest warrant, he was an instructor at Ancient Ways Martial Arts Academy, located at 4774 Cortez Road.
Investigators said Brown and the girl started texting each other on social media and spending time together outside of the martial arts school. According to the arrest report, Brown sexually abused the girl between February 2023 and May 2023.
In an interview with the Bradenton Herald, Boone Brown, owner of Ancient Ways and Brennon Brown's father, denied the accusations against his son. He insisted Mr Brennon would be “totally acquitted” in court.
“The accusations did not occur at my workplace and he no longer works here,” Brown said.
As of Thursday, there was no mention of Brennon Brown on the martial arts studio's website, but an earlier version of the website said Brennon Brown began training in martial arts at age 3 and was “a favorite of many students. He was an instructor.” ”
Ancient Ways teaches about 300 students of all ages, from preschool to adult classes, according to the studio's website.
Detectives began investigating the sexual abuse case in July after the girl's father filed a complaint, according to an arrest report.
Police arrested Brenon Brown on May 6 and charged him with three counts of lewd or lascivious assault on a minor, according to the sheriff's office website. Brennon Brown was released from the Manatee County Jail the next day after posting bonds totaling $22,500, according to court documents.
