New Charge For Golf Instructor Accused Of Molesting Teen
HOLLYWOOD (CBS4) - A Hollywood golf instructor turned himself in to police Tuesday after a second teen came forward and said he was touched by the man in an inappropriate manner.
Ricardo Moreno, based out of the Hillcrest Golf and Country Club, has been charged with an additional charge of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation.
Over the weekend, Moreno was arrested after a 13 year-old golf student at Moreno's RSM Golf School told detectives that he touched him in a sensitive area during stretching routines.
The boy said Moreno told him he needed to relieve the child's tension.
"To me it sounds like a misunderstanding," said Robert Lechter, the father of one of Moreno's students.
Lechter said he's known Moreno for years and couldn't believe the charges.
"He has an excellent reputation, he's a family man, a completely reliable person, just a great guy," said Lechter.
Moreno reportedly told police he did sometimes touch his students to relieve stress and it's something he's been doing for many years. Moreno does not have a medical background or massage training.
CBS4's Carey Codd called Moreno on Monday but he hung up on him.
Police said they suspect there are others teens Moreno has molested but who have not come forward.
