Man accused of sexually abusing boys

A 51-year-old former karate teacher who was arrested over the weekend on suspicion of molesting six boys in his martial arts studio remained in custody Monday, the Orange County district attorney’s office said.

Patrick Shawn Magnan, of Westminster, was charged with 11 felony counts of performing lewd acts on a child under 14, which could bring him life in prison if he is convicted.

Authorities said the molestations took place at the karate studio on Magnolia Avenue that Magnan owned from 1999 until November 2005. The district attorney’s office said Westminster police began investigating Magnan last month, after a boy confided to a counselor that Magnan had molested him three years ago. Detectives said they found five other boys who alleged Magnan had molested them in his office or on the workout floor.

Magnan is being held on $1-million bail. Prosecutors are asking those with information about the case to call (714) 347-8558.

-- Christopher Goffard