Busted Martial Artists

[bai she]

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2...-kung-fu-power


Kung Fu Power owner charged with promoting prostitution, soliciting sex act


Highland Park business opened in May


August 09, 2013|By Gregory Trotter, Chicago Tribune reporter



Richard Baron.

Richard Baron. (Highland Park Police Department photo)


A Highland Park business owner has been charged with promoting prostitution and soliciting a sexual act, according to Highland Park officials.

Richard Baron, 33, owner of Kung Fu Power at 1770 First Street, was arrested Aug. 6, according to a Highland Park Police Department news release. After receiving a complaint on July 29, police launched an investigation in coordination with the Lake County Sheriff's Department and the Lake County State's Attorney's Office, the release said.

When contacted by the Tribune, Baron, now out of jail after posting bond, said that he made some personal mistakes but that the charges didn't accurately portray what happened and had nothing to do with his martial arts studio.

"First, (the charges) are completely blown out of proportion," Baron said. "My school is a place where adults, kids, everyone can do martial arts in a way that is awesome."

Highland Park Deputy Police Chief Dave Schwarz declined to provide additional information about the case, or describe evidence beyond the complaint, saying the investigation was ongoing.

It's also unclear what connection the charges may have with Baron's business. The news release issued by Highland Park noted that Baron's business opened in May.

Asked to clarify why that was included in the release, Deputy City Manager Ghida Neukirch said village officials felt it was important to fully disclose to residents because he's a Highland Park business owner and because children take martial arts lessons at his school.

"We're not saying he's guilty. … It will go through the trial process," Neukirch said.

Kung Fu Power was "the central location" for the alleged crime, she added.

Baron also did not want to go into details. But he repeated the charges have nothing to do with his school. Kung Fu Power offers instruction in kung fu, qi gong and tai chi for people of all ages, according to the website.

"It's my problem. This doesn't reflect on the school," Baron said. "Mistakes were made but they're my mistakes."

He regretted any impact the charges could have on his school's community.

"I've worked for many years to build up a reputation. This is very painful. It could cause a lot of harm to a lot of people," Baron said. "I'm not a predator. I'm not a monster. I'm a good man."

Baron is due back in court on Aug. 15.

gtrotter@tribune.com

Twitter: @NorthShoreTrib


http://deerfield.patch.com/groups/po...rimes_3bf3de0d

"Kung Fu Power Owner Charged with Sex Crimes

Richard Baron, owner of Kung Fu Power in Highland Park, was charged with promoting prostitution and solicitation of a sexual act, according to police.

Posted by Angela Sykora (Editor) , August 12, 2013 at 02:33 PM




Richard Baron, owner of Kung Fu Power in Highland Park, is facing charges of promoting prostitution and solicitation of a sexual act. Photo Credit: Highland Park Police



Richard Baron, owner of Kung Fu Power in Highland Park, is facing charges of promoting prostitution and solicitation of a sexual act. Photo Credit: Highland Park Police





The owner of Kung Fu Power in Highland Park has been charged with promoting prostitution and solicitation of a sexual act, according to a Highland Park Police Department press release.

Richard Baron, 33, of Highland Park, was arrested Aug. 6 after a complaint was brought to the police department on July 29.


"As soon as the complainant came forward, the Highland Park Police Department launched an immediate investigation," said Police Chief Paul Shafer. "Our police department takes all information provided by the public seriously and investigates all claims thoroughly and expeditiously."

With the assistance of the complainant, the Lake County Sheriff’s Department and investigators from the Lake County State’s Attorney Office, the Highland Park Police Department was able to obtain enough information to lead to an arrest, according to the press release.

"The Highland Park Police Department continues to do exemplary work and we appreciate their swift action in this case," said Mayor Nancy Rotering.

Search warrants obtained from case related information were executed at the time of Baron’s arrest. Baron was transported to the Lake County Court building on Aug. 6, where bond was set at $25,000.

Baron told the Chicago Tribune the charges were blown out of proportion and that he "made some personal mistakes but that the charges didn't accurately portray what happened and had nothing to do with his martial arts studio."

Baron is due in court Aug. 15, reported the Tribune.

Baron, owner of Kung Fu Power located at 1770 First Street in Highland Park, opened his Highland Park location in May 2013. His studio was previously located in Vernon Hills.

Anyone with additional information regarding this case is asked to contact the Highland Park Police Department at (847) 432-7730 or their local law enforcement agency."