Marin Independent Journal

Molest suspect led other classes

- By Alex N. Gecan agecan@marinij.com

A martial arts instructor charged with molesting a student at a Sausalito program led similar youth classes for the Belvedere Tiburon Joint Recreation Committee.

Joshua Theodore Boyes, 35, of Richmond had taught taekwondo since 2018 through a contract with the committee, also known as the Ranch, according to a letter from Jessica Hotchkiss, the executive director. His services included classes for adults, youths and children as young as 4 or 5.

The contract was terminated after Boyes' arrest Sunday by Sausalito police.

Sausalito police said Boyes taught taekwondo at a youth program at the civic campus on Litho Street. A student's mother reported the alleged molestatio­n to police and, when officers interviewe­d Boyes, he admitted to sexual activity with the student, acting Sausalito police Chief Stacie Gregory said.

Gregory said authoritie­s were “concerned there could be more victims” and that other parents suspicious of crimes should contact the police department.

Hotchkiss also urged parents “to speak to your children and encourage anyone with evidence or informatio­n that is pertinent” to contact police in Belvedere or Tiburon.

The Marin County District Attorney's Office charged Boyes on Monday with two sex crimes against a child younger than 14 in the Sausalito case. His public defender did not respond to a request for comment.

Boyes has remained in custody at the Marin County

Jail in lieu of $100,000 bail since his arrest. He is scheduled for a bail review hearing Monday.

On his LinkedIn page, Boyes said he also worked as a fitness instructor at Marin County Juvenile Hall in 2011. The county has no record of his having been an employee, vendor, intern or volunteer there, said Laine Hendricks, a spokespers­on for the county.

“We don't typically have fitness instructor­s come into the facility,” she said.

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