Karate Teacher from La Mesa Accused of Molesting Boy, 13, at San Diego Studio

A La Mesa man who runs a karate school in San Diego is in court Tuesday, accused of repeatedly molesting a 13-year-old boy. His Facebook friends have promised a big show of support, claiming his innocence.

The resident, Eric Dylan Protas, 38, is set for a preliminary hearing at El Cajon Superior Court to decide if he should be held for trial in the case.

Protas is charged with a dozen counts of committing lewd acts on a child over a yearlong period at his studio. He would face 21 years in prison if convicted. Protas, owner and operator of Allied Gardens School of Martial Arts on Waring Road, is being held on $800,000 bail.

A Facebook page titled "Head Instructor Eric Protas is innocent" says: "On August 12, 2010, Head Instructor Eric Protas of Allied Gardens School of Martial Arts was arrested before the school's summer camp, under false charges made by a former student and his mother."

Hundreds of postings be friends, students and relatives show support for Protas, who has been jailed at the George Bailey Detention Facility in San Diego.

Keith Montague wrote: "I've known Eric for over 30 years and of all the people I've known in my life what he is being accused of is totaly insane. There is no way a person of his caliber could do such a thing. Good luck, Eric, my thoughts are with you."

Defense attorney Albert Arena said at an earlier hearing that his client made no admissions on a "controlled" call with the alleged victim, and the conversation between the two was "open to interpretation."

Arena said a possible suicide note from Protas, found during the execution of a search warrant, was penned by  a "very despondent person."

Deputy District Attorney John Philpott said the suicide note was written a week or more before it was discovered and indicated what Protas might do to himself if the allegations involving the boy came to light.

A  judge will decide at the end of the preliminary hearing whether enough
evidence was presented for Protas to stand trial.