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Martial arts studio owner faces multiple sex-related charges

February 2, 2018   ·   0 Comments

By Mike Pickford

An Orangeville business owner who works with children is facing sex-related charges dating back to an alleged offence in the summer of 2011.

The Orangeville Police Service (OPS) announced on Friday (Jan. 26) that officers had arrested and charged 41-year-old Michael William Toms, owner of Toms Martial Arts, with sexual assault, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching and sexual exploitation. The charges stem from an alleged incident involving a then 15-year-old girl.

In its release to media, OPS said the complainant visited the police station on C Line  last Thursday (Jan. 25) and said she had been the victim of inappropriate sexual contact. According to police, the woman and the accused were known to each other at the time. As of press time, it is unclear if the complainant was a student of the local dojo, located on Centennial Road.

Mr. Toms has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court in Orangeville on Feb. 27 to answer to the allegations. Shortly after the news broke last week, a sign was placed on the door of Toms Martial Arts stating the Orangeville school will be closed until further notice.

“I am truely (sic) sorry to announce that Toms Martial Arts will be closed until further notice,” the sign reads. “Students will be contacted personally for further information.”

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