Sex Abuse Of Minor Prompts Arrest Of HoCo Martial Arts Teacher In Hanover: Police

HANOVER, MD — The Anne Arundel County Police Department said it on Tuesday arrested a martial arts instructor from Howard County on multiple charges related to the sexual abuse of a minor.

Officers identified the arrestee as 42-year-old Steve Choi of West Friendship. Authorities said he worked at Lion Choi's Taekwondo, which is located in Hanover at 2733 Annapolis Road, Unit D.

Police said the Department of Social Services on Sept. 8, 2021 told them about the allegations.

Officials said they interviewed the victim at the Anne Arundel County Child Advocacy Center on Sept. 17, 2021.

A press release said the victim was 17 when the investigation launched, but the victim told authorities that they were 14 when the sexual abuse started.

Police continued to investigate, collect potential evidence and conduct more witness interviews. Maryland court records said authorities secured an arrest warrant for Choi on July 29 and took him into custody without incident on Tuesday.

The records also show that Choi faces charges of:

• Sex Offense Third Degree (Felony)
• Sex Abuse Minor (Felony)
• Perverted Practice (Misdemeanor)
• Child Porn Permit Sex Subj (Felony)
• Child Porn Solicit Subject (Felony)
• Sex Off 4th Deg-Sex Contact (Misdemeanor)
• Assault-Sec Degree (Misdemeanor)

The court database said Choi posted his $50,000 bond on Tuesday, meaning he does not have to wait in jail for his trial.

The Anne Arundel County Police Department is still investigating. The agency asked anybody with information on this case or any related incidents to call the Child Abuse Unit at 410-222-4733. Tipsters can stay anonymous by dialing 410-222-4700.

Informants can also anonymously contact the Metro Crime Stoppers of Maryland, which is a non-police organization that collects tips and shares them with detectives. The Metro Crime Stoppers are available at 1-866-7LOCKUP, on metrocrimestoppers.org or through the P3 Tips mobile application.