SAN ANTONIO, Texas

Jiu-Jitsu instructor arrested after allegedly grooming, assaulting 14-year-old student

An instructor and owner of a local martial arts school has been arrested and charged after a 14-year-old former student came out with accusations of assault.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (NEWS3) — A jiu-jitsu instructor has been arrested and charged after allegedly grooming and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old student. Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar held a press conference at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, discussing the arrest and charges.

Allegations and Charges

According to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, Joseph Rene Caballero, 40, has been arrested and charged after a 14-year-old girl came forward with accusations of sexual abuse. Authorities say that from October to December of 2023, Caballero allegedly engaged in grooming-like behavior, leaving secret-admirer-esque notes in the storage locker of a 14-year-old student.

“Our goal with putting out this information is to, you know, ask if anybody knows of any other victims, any, certainly, anybody that may be involved with this. With this martial arts school, please give us a call,” Sheriff Salazar said.

Details of the Incident

This student was enrolled at Caballero’s jiu-jitsu school located on Culebra Road near Ingram Road. This eventually culminated into a situation, where Caballero allegedly sexually assaulted the 14-year-old multiple times. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Caballero has a no-contact order for minor children and the victim. The only exception is with his own children.

“But unfortunately, they did become involved. And sexually assaulted that victim at least several times during the course of those couple of weeks. The young lady came forward to her family members and let them know what was going on. Obviously, the family members called us out to a home in West Bexar County, where we took the report. Our child safe investigators did a great job putting the case together and putting Mr. Caballero behind bars,” explained Sheriff Salazar.

Legal Actions

Joseph Rene Caballero was arrested and charged with Sexual Assault of a Child and has reportedly since posted bond, and been released. “The reason we’re putting this out there is so that if anybody says, ‘That’s my child’s martial arts school!’ I would say strongly consider not going back to that martial arts school,” explained Sheriff Salazar.

Community Concerns

After finding out the charge and allegation from the Sheriff, we decided to head over to where the business is to see if classes were still in session. From what we could see, parents and their children were still going inside to the jiu jitsu location off of Culebra road. We tried to reach Caballero and his business through the number they list online. No one answered so we left a voicemail asking if anyone would like to speak with us or provide a statement regarding the charges.

Mary Beth Fisk with The Ecumenical Center said having open communication with your children is vital if they attend the academy. “We need a safety plan for their well-being in the hands of others, things that we look for to be cautious of,” Fisk said.

Fisk said it’s critical to keep a close eye on any sudden changes in your child, no matter the situation. “Change in eating habits, change in mood or personality, or an increased agitation, can also be an emotional sign that a child is perhaps in the hands of an abuser,” Fisk said.

Investigation and Assistance

The incident is still under investigation. Anyone who believes their child may have been affected is asked to call Bexar County Sheriff’s Office at (210) 335-6000.

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