Martial Arts Educator Officially Charged in Molestation Case

A Kennewick math teacher is not longer operating a martial arts center,after he was formally charged with third-degree child molestation.

Oscar Perez Garnica is free on bail pending a January 9 trial in Benton County Superior court.  He was accused of sexual misconduct with a 14-year-old victim, it took place at his Choice Martial Arts Center in Richland where he was a jujitsu instructor. He also was a teacher in the Kennewick school district.

The alleged molestation which involved the girl sitting on his lap, took place in August. He is free on $10K bail, and instructed not to have any contact with minors.