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Centennial martial arts instructor arrested on child sex assault charges

Deputies say they believe he could have more victims
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Posted at 7:04 PM, Dec 31, 2020
and last updated 2020-12-31 21:04:58-05

DENVER – Deputies arrested a 65-year-old martial arts instructor from Centennial Thursday afternoon on investigatory charges of sexual assault on a child and believe he may have additional victims.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office arrested 65-year-old Charles Niemi on two counts of sexual assault on a child with a pattern of abuse, and he is being held at the Douglas County jail without bond.

The sheriff’s office said Niemi was the instructor of the victim at Spirit Warrior Martial Arts in Centennial and was still employed as of Thursday afternoon. The academy’s website listed Niemi as the head instructor.

The authorities said they believe Niemi may have abused others as well and are asking anyone who might be a victim or have more information about Niemi to call Detective Ducat at 303-814-7179.

The sheriff’s office said it was unable to release further information about the case because the investigation is ongoing.