Martial Arts Instructor Arrested On Sexual Assault Charges

SALISBURY, Md. (AP) — Authorities have arrested a Salisbury martial arts instructor accused of sexually assaulting young students.

Local news organizations report that the Wicomico Sheriff's Office arrested 26-year-old Zachariah Justice Bennett on 27 charges including first-degree rape, first-degree sex offense and sex abuse of a minor.

Court documents state that Bennett assaulted three teenage girls and texted explicit pictures of himself to the victims.

Lt. Rich Weisrberg says that Bennett's co-worker, 21-year-old Leah Corinn Wright, turned herself in to authorities Monday morning in connection with the case. Weisrberg wouldn't elaborate on her role.

The two are currently being held without bond at the Wicomico County Detention Center. It's unclear if they have attorneys.