Owner of Lee’s Summit martial arts studio charged with statutory sodomy
The owner of a martial arts studio in Lee’s Summit is facing charges after reportedly being accused of sexually abusing a family member in 1996.
Rainier Gatapia, owner of Lee’s Summit Martial Arts, was charged May 30 with one count of statutory sodomy with a child under the age of 12. A warrant was issued for his arrest June 2, according to online court records.
According to KCTV 5, an adult family member is accusing Gatapia of physically and sexually abusing her as a child.
Gatapia is currently under house arrest awaiting trial, the station reported. He was released after posting $75,000 bond.
The station also reported that Gatapia is not allowed to have contact with the victim or anyone under the age of 18, but family members said he is trying to appeal the terms of his bond.
A preliminary hearing is Wednesday in Kansas City.
Court records indicate Gatapia was born in 1966, but his age was not listed in online court documents.
Toriano Porter: 816-234-4779, @torianoporter
This story was originally published July 7, 2017 at 9:28 PM with the headline "Owner of Lee’s Summit martial arts studio charged with statutory sodomy."