Gaithersburg Karate Teacher Charged With Sex Abuse Of Minor

GAITHERSBURG, MD — A Gaithersburg karate instructor was arrested on Monday, Oct. 9, facing charges of sexual abuse of a minor.

Frank Pugarita, 54, of the 8400 block of Mountain Laurel Lane, is a karate instructor and 10-year owner at Pugarita Karate on North Westland Drive. Charges claim he inappropriately touched a 15-year-old girl who was a student.

Detectives began investigating Pugarita on June 29, 2017, on a report that he had "inappropriate contact" with the girl, according to the Montgomery County Police Department, who also said the victim told them that Pugarita had touched her sometime between January and June of 2017.

Detectives got the warrant for Pugarita's arrest on Oct. 3, which charge him with one count of sex abuse of a minor and one count of fourth-degree sex offense. He was held without bond.

Police say there may be more victims and are asking any parents of kids who took classes at Pugarita Karate to talk to their kids about their contact with him. If anything comes up, call the Special Victims Investigations Division at 240-773-5400.

Article image via Montgomery County Police Department