Tommy E. Merritt
/ photo: Fulton Police
FULTON -- A former martial arts instructor faces prison time after he admitted he sexually abused some of his former students.
In Oswego County Court Thursday, 38-year-old Tommy Merritt of Fulton pleaded guilty to two counts of felony criminal sex act. He is the operator of Fight Science and the Precision Tae Kwon Do martial arts schools. In August, Merritt was arrested and accused of having sexual intercourse with a child younger than 15 years old numerous times between 2005 and 2006. Police say these offenses involved more than one victim.
Oswego County Assistant District Attorney Gregory Oakes says Merritt pleaded guilty to the most serious charges he faced. Because sentencing guidelines changed in April of 2007, the two counts are to be sentenced differently. For the 2005 charge, Merritt faced one to three years in prison. For the 2006 charge, Merritt faced two years in prison, with seven years of post-release supervision. The Oswego County District Attorney’s office has recommended that the sentences run concurrently.
Judge David Roman agreed to sentence Merritt to two to three years in prison plus six or seven years of supervision after he is released from jail.
Merritt is scheduled to return to court for sentencing on December 21 at 9:30 a.m.
Original story from August 26:
A Fulton man is under arrest for a second time after police say he had sex with a child.
According to the Fulton Police Department, 38-year-old Tommy E. Merritt was arrested early Thursday morning and charged with four offenses after police say he had sexual intercourse with a child less than 15 years old numerous times between 2005 and 2006. Police say these alleged offenses took place in Fulton, and involved more than one victim.
"He's been a member of the community for years. He's been involved with youth through his martial arts studios, throughout different locations in the city and surrounding area," Fulton Police Chief Orlo Green said. "He's had access to youth for years so I'm not surprised."
Just last week, Merritt was arrested in a separate sexual abuse case.
According to court papers, the latest victim gave a statement saying the sexual contact happened 30-to-50 times. In the statement to police, the victim said Merritt was his tae kwan do instructor for many years.
The other victim told police Merritt gave him money in exchange for sex and he said Merritt took advantage of kids who did not have a father figure in their lives.
Merritt gave a statement to police saying: "I am truly sorry for all of this.I was molested at age eight, no one knew. I had to carry that with me up to this day. I never forced anyone to do anything."
Merritt has been charged with three counts of felony criminal sexual act and one count of misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a child. He was arraigned Thursday morning in Fulton City Court and held in jail on $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 bond. He is scheduled to return to court on September 1.
Fulton Police say their investigation is still underway, and ask that anyone with any information contact the Police Department at 598-4504.
