MURRIETA - A martial arts instructor who allegedly molested three girls during private lessons pleaded not guilty today to lewd acts on a child and other felony charges.

Albert George Williams, 63, of Lake Elsinore could face more than 50 years in prison if convicted of nine counts of lewd acts on a child under 14 years old, two counts of oral copulation of a minor and one count of witness intimidation.

Williams appeared with his attorney before Riverside County Superior Court Judge Michael Rushton, who set a Jan. 4 felony settlement conference and left the defendant's bail set at $3 million.

The defendant was arrested Nov. 3 following an investigation into his alleged contact with an 8-year-old girl, whose identity was withheld, at his house in the 15600 block of Laguna Avenue.

"The investigation revealed that the victim ... was taking a Taekwondo lesson from Williams in a garage. It was learned that during one of these private classes, Williams sexually molested the victim," sheriff's Sgt. Todd Pauling said.

The defendant was interviewed and booked the same day into the Southwest Detention Center in Murrieta.

According to an amended criminal complaint, two additional alleged victims were identified within a couple of weeks of charges being filed in connection with the 8-year-old.

The complaint alleges that one girl, identified only as Jane Doe #2, was molested in January 2011, while a second girl, Jane Doe #3, was Advertisement

[ Metalography ] also molested later that same year.

Williams has no prior convictions in Riverside County, according to court records.

Martial Arts Instructor Accused of Molesting Student

MURRIETA - A martial arts instructor who allegedly sexually molested a student during a private lesson was charged today with lewd acts on a child and other felonies.

Albert George Williams, 63, of Lake Elsinore was arrested Saturday following an investigation into his alleged contact with an 8-year-old girl, whose name was not released.

Along with the lewd acts allegation, Williams is charged with oral copulation of a minor and witness intimidation. He could face more than 10 years in prison if convicted.

During an initial public hearing today before Riverside County Superior Court Judge Michael Rushton at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta, Williams was ordered held in lieu of $1 million bail.

Arraignment is set for Nov. 27. Williams remains held at the Southwest Detention Center.

According to sheriff's Sgt. Todd Pauling, investigators were alerted Saturday to a possible child molestation at Williams' house in the 15600 block of Laguna Avenue.

"The investigation revealed that the victim ... was taking a taekwondo lesson from Williams in a garage," Pauling said. "It was learned that during one of these private classes, Williams sexually molested the victim."

Williams was interviewed and booked the same day into jail.

According to court records, Williams has no prior convictions in Riverside County.