Golf Instructor Accused Of Molesting 13-Year-Old Student
HOLLYWOOD (CBS4) - A Hollywood golf instructor has been arrested for lewd and lascivious behavior against a 13-year-old boy, according to police.
Ricardo Moreno, owner of RSM Golf, faces two felony charges.
According to police, the teen took golf lessons with Moreno at Hillcrest Golf and Country Club, where RSM Golf is subcontracted to provide golf lessons to young people. Police say the boy told them Moreno touched him inappropriately on two occasions during stretching and massage routines. The teen said Moreno told him "he was doing this to relieve tension."
CBS 4 News visited RSM Golf Monday. No one was inside but our cameras did see brochures, golf gear and stretching exercises on the wall. According to the police report, detectives say Moreno told them he does touch his students in a sensitive area during a stretching and tension relieving routine and it's something he's been doing for many years. Police say Moreno admitted he has neither a medical background nor massage training.
Robert Lechter is the father of another student and says he's known Moreno for decades. He said he cannot believe the allegations are true.
"I think it's very unlikely," Lechter said. "I've known Ricardo since childhood. He's a great guy."
Moreno was arrested on Saturday and bonded out of jail. CBS 4 News called him twice for a comment but the man who answered the phone hung up on us. According to the RSM Golf website, Moreno says he has extensive experience managing junior golf programs in the U.S. and Colombia.
Hollywood Police say they are actively investigating other potential victims. Detectives say if you have information either call Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-TIPS or the Hollywood Police at (954) 967-4411.
