McKinney martial arts instructor accused of child sex assault

McKINNEY, Texas - A martial arts instructor from McKinney is behind bars for allegedly molesting one of his students.

Timothy Lee Vidal, 34, was charged Wednesday for the sexual assault of a child. He was already in the Collin County jail for a similar charge in another jurisdiction. Vidal was a teacher at Tiger Rock Martial Arts on Virginia Parkway in McKinney.

Court documents show on the evening of April 3 the mother of a 16-year-old girl called Allen Police saying her daughter was upset and crying at school saying Master Vidal had sexual contact with her at a Holiday Inn off Highway 75 in Allen on March 25.

They arrest affidavit says the victim's mother “learned that Vidal had taken [her daughter] from the promotional event for the martial arts academy and took her to Holiday Inn in Allen and had sex with her." It goes on to say the mom said later she “confronted the Vidal, who admitted to having sexual relations with her daughter. She said he told her he was sorry."

In a report from McKinney Police, a separate student alleges Vidal had been forcing himself on her since she was 14 and sexually assaulting her on four different occasions, the most recent at a La Quinta in Allen.

When asked why she didn't report the assaults sooner, the mom told officers she was “scared that people would possibly think that she was making it all up.”

The owner of the martial arts studio in McKinney released a statement saying in part, “April 3 after learning of allegations of a crime against a minor, Tiger Rock Martial Arts of McKinney and terminated Tim Vidal."

The owner went on to say, "We take the situation very seriously and are committed to providing a safe environment for all members. We have a no tolerance policy and took Swift in immediate action upon learning of these allegations."

Police said they are looking for other potential victims. Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Kennedy at 972-547-2842 or email ckennedy@mckinneytexas.org.