Ex-Martial Arts Instructor Gets Prison Time In Sex Abuse Case: DA

DUTCHESS COUNTY, NY — A former martial arts instructor accused of sexually abusing children has been sentenced to 10 years in state prison.

Judge Jessica Segal imposed the sentence Wednesday on Tyler LeClerc of Hyde Park during a proceeding in Dutchess County Court.

LeClerc pleaded guilty in June to two counts of third-degree criminal sexual act, one count of first-degree attempted sexual abuse, and two counts of forcible touching, according to the Dutchess County District Attorney’s office.

District Attorney Anthony Parisi said, “With this 10-year prison sentence, the defendant has been held accountable for his crimes.”

Parisi said his office’s approach in the case was guided by the wishes of victims and their families, “who sought justice while sparing their children the trauma of reliving these experiences in court.” Prosecutors reached a plea bargain agreement with LeClerc, avoiding the need for a trial.

“This outcome not only removes a predator from our community but also honors the courage of the young victims and their families who came forward,” Parisi said.

After LeClerc serves the prison term, he will be under post-release supervision for another 10 years. He must also register as a sex offender.

The complainants included youths who were students at LeClerc’s Martial Arts school, according to Parisi.

The conduct happened in LaGrange and Pleasant Valley between 2023 and 2025, according to the district attorney’s office.

In pleading guilty, LeClerc admitted to engaging in oral sexual conduct with a person under age 17, prosecutors said. He also admitted to attempting to subject an individual under age 13 to sexual contact. Finally, he admitted to forcibly touching the “sexual or intimate parts of two different people for the purpose of his own sexual gratification,” according to the district attorney’s office.

Read more:
Former Martial Arts Instructor Pleads Guilty To Sex Abuse Charges: DA
Ex-Martial Arts Instructor Faces Additional Abuse Counts: DA
28-Year-Old Dutchess Man Charged With Sexually Abusing Children: NYSP