October 11, 2024

Sports Enthusiast

Professional Sports Purveyors

Martial arts instructor charged with rape of former students

Martial arts instructor charged with rape of former students

An investigation showed Steven Hardeman was an instructor at the American Martial Arts Gym in Waldorf. The assaults occurred as far back as 2013.

CHARLES COUNTY, Md. — Charles County detectives have made an arrest in two cases of sexual abuse involving minors.

Steven James Hardeman was taken into custody on Friday for allegedly sexually assaulting two victims who were his martial arts students.

An investigation showed Hardeman was an instructor at the American Martial Arts Gym in Waldorf. The assaults occurred as far back as 2013. The claims were recently brought to a Charles County Grand Jury which charged Hardeman with two counts of sexual abuse of a minor, two counts of second-degree rape, and several other related offenses. 

Hardeman taught martial arts at other American Martial Arts gyms with locations in St. Mary’s County and Caroline County, Virginia. On Friday, a judge ordered his release from the Charles County Detention Center on personal recognizance as long as he enrolls in house arrest.

Police are unclear if there are any additional victims and are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Singh at 301-609-6471.  

RELATED: Man arrested in Virginia Beach for stabbing DC man to death in 2022

RELATED: Police: Teen was speeding while driving under the influence before crash that ejected 5 others

Do you have a news tip on this story or any other story? We want to hear from you. Tell us about it by emailing [email protected]. 

MORE WAYS TO GET WUSA9  

DOWNLOAD THE WUSA9 APP 
Apple App Store: WUSA9 News on Apple 
Google Play Store: WUSA9 News on Android 

HOW TO ADD THE FREE WUSA9+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE  

ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for WUSA9.  

For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for “WUSA9” to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.  

SIGN UP TO RECEIVE WUSA9 NEWSLETTER 

Subscribe to our daily WUSA9 Newsletter for top stories from WUSA9 curated daily just for you. Get content and information right now for can’t-miss stories, Commanders content, weather, and more delivered right to your inbox.