Posted: March 30, 2017 – 10:15 AM
Update: Former Seminole Tae Kwon Do Instructor Andrew Kim Sent to Prison
Andrew Jim Kim was originally arrested on February 5, 2016, for his alleged actions against girls from ages 4-7. These actions took place while serving as a Tae Kwon Do instructor from August 2012 through August 2015.
While many of the court documents are sealed, Mr. Kim was transferred to the Florida State Department of Corrections. His transfer to the Central Florida Reception Center in Orlando from the Pinellas County Jail took place on March 23, 2017.
Kim’s release date is listed as January 7, 2064.
Original Post
Tae Kwon Do Instructor Now Charged With Capital Sexual Battery
Update: April 9, 2016: Two more counts of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation filed against former Tae Kwon Do instructor Andrew Jin Kim. He was employed by OH’s Tae Kwon Do located in Seminole. The details of these actions against 4-5 year-old girls are horrific. One incident occurred at the Academy and the other in the front seat of a van at Largo Central Park. He remains at the Pinellas County Jail.
Posted: February 9, 2016
[This article has been edited since its initial posting. The horrific details were initially posted to bring attention to this heinous case to assist in the identification of any other victims. At this point it has served it purpose and now has been edited out of respect the the victims and their families that continue to live this nightmare]
Detectives assigned to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Crimes Against Children Unit arrested 23 year-old Andrew Jin Kim of St. Petersburg, Florida.
Kim was employed by Oh’s Tae Kwon Do located at 7520 Seminole Blvd in Seminole, Florida. He served as a Tae Kwon Do instructor from August 2012 through August 2015 at which time he was terminated for being dishonest about work related functions according to the owner, Richard Oh.
Detectives say the owner of the business has been cooperative in this investigation and had no knowledge of Kim’s criminal behavior.
In March 2014, Kim allegedly asked a 6 year-old girl to touch her toes as she stood on a toilet at the facility. He then proceeded to touch her inappropriately. Kim advised that he attempted to video record the act and made incriminating statements after being read his Miranda rights.
In March 2015, Kim allegedly repeated a similar act with a 7 year-old girl and once again he stated that he video recorded the act.
For these two acts, Kim was arrested and is facing charges of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation.
Detectives feared at the time that more victims may exist since he worked at the facility for 3 years. They have requested that the public come forward with any information regarding inappropriate contact Kim may have had with other children.
As feared, the mother of an 8 year-old girl spoke with her daughter about the matter and on Monday, February 8, 2016, she came forward and reported an incident to the Sheriff’s Office. Mom began a conversation with her daughter after being sent a link regarding news about the arrest of Kim.
The investigation places the most recent crime about August 2015. Kim picked up the 8 year-old girl from school to transport her to the Tae Kwon Do facility. Kim reportedly forced the victim to engage in a sex act with him while in the van, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. As in the previous cases, Kim asked the girls not to tell anyone about the incident.
Detectives have now placed an additional charge of Capital Sexual Battery on Kim. He is currently being held without bail in the Pinellas County Jail.
Understandably, many parents and caregivers are now very anxious about sending their children to the many area after-school programs. The benefits of children participating in after-school programs are well documented but these very rare circumstances many times overshadow these wonderful benefits.
Today I spoke with a local expert that trains business owners across the county on running high quality, fun, safe and exciting after school and summer camp programs. She has three questions that parents must ask about after school sports programs. Click HERE to see this invaluable information.
The US Department of Justice has a page that provides valuable information that may assist parents and caregivers with talking to children about this sensitive subject. A link to that webpage can be found here ——-> US Department of Justice
Anyone with information regarding any other potential victims are asked to please contact the Corporal Mark Kolenda with the Crimes Against Children’s Unit at (727) 582-6200.