Instructor faces felony charges
Tommy MerrittFulton, NY -- Fulton police are asking parents to talk with their children concerning any inappropriate contact they may have had with Tommy Merritt, who ran Fight Science and Precision Tae Kwon Do martial arts schools in Fulton.
Merritt, 38, of 15 W. Third St. N., is charged with second-degree criminal sexual act and third-degree criminal sexual act, both felonies, and endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor. He is accused of engaging in oral sexual contact during a three-year period with a child who was less than age 13 when the conduct began.
The incidents took place at various locations in Fulton, police said.
According to papers filed in Fulton City Court, two males now aged 17 and 24 gave statements to police about how Merritt would pay them to let him have oral sexual contact with them. They also said during their talks with police that Merritt did the same with other children.
Deputy Chief Thomas Abelgore said no additional alleged victims have reported inappropriate contact with Merritt as of yet. “However, through our investigation, we have developed some leads regarding other possible victims, which are being looked into at this time," Abelgore said.
Merritt said in his statement that he never forced himself on anyone and any contact was consensual. He also said the boys involved were heavily into drugs and needed the money Merritt paid them for their drug habits.
Merritt is being held in the Oswego County jail in lieu of $15,000 bail or $30,000 bond. He will be back in Fulton City Court Wednesday, Aug. 25.