Twenty-two year old martial arts instructor Anthony Columna was recently arrested and charged with having sex with a 14-year-old girl. He faces nine charges in the case: five counts of Lewd or Lascivious Battery, two counts of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation and two counts of Lewd or Lascivious Conduct.
The alleged victim told police that she cut school on at least two occasions, and was picked up by the defendant, and taken to his home. In most lewd and lascivious cases, the only evidence the prosecution has to work with is the statement of the alleged victim. In this case, police had arranged a recorded phone call between the defendant and the alleged victim.
According to one report, Columna had originally told detectives that he "only took the girl to his home to keep her out of trouble."
Defense Against Lewd and Lascivious ChargesLewd and lascivious charges often relate to the unlawful touching or forced interaction between a minor and an adult. Unfortunately, the laws governing lewd and lascivious charges are vague, and it can be difficult to understand what you have been charged with. If you have been charged, or are under investigation for, lewd and lascivious charges, it is important to get an attorney involved in your case immediately.