Details Emerge in Redwood City Tae Kwon Do Child Molestation Case

The San Mateo County District Attorney's Office revealed some details of the child molestation case against a Redwood City tae kwon do instructor Thursday.

Ralph Eugene Todd III, of Menlo Park, appeared in court Wednesday for a preliminary hearing of the charges against him.

Todd was reportedly employed as an instructor at Tae Kwon Do Academy in Woodside Plaza in Redwood City. 

His victim, a 9-year-old boy, reported that, on Dec. 17, 2012, he was alone in the studio with Todd during a lesson when Todd told him to stop what he was doing because "he was not doing the moves properly."

At that point, Todd reportedly grabbed the child's genitals.

Later in the lesson, Todd reportedly fondled the child's genitals "skin to skin."

At the end of the lesson, the child's father picked him up and "the victim tearfully told his father what had happened," the DA's Office said.

The child's father immediately called the police, and Todd was arrested.

Todd appeared in San Mateo County Court in Redwood City Wednesday. His defense attorney, Ryan McHugh, requested a continuance of the preliminary hearing, however, and it was rescheduled to April 10.

Meanwhile, Todd is out of custody on $100,000 bail.

The Redwood City Police Department is investigating whether there may be more victims in this case. Anyone who has any information should contact Redwood City Police Detective Megan Boyajian at 650-780-7138.

How do you feel about Todd being out on bail, after the charges brought against him? Tell us in the comments below.

ALSO ON REDWOOD CITY-WOODSIDE PATCH:

• Celebrate Lunar New Year in Courthouse Square Saturday
• Man Poses As Lawyer in San Mateo County Court
• Yee Says Death Threats Won't Deter His Gun Control Efforts
• Woodside Man Accused of Murdering Wife for Insurance Money
• Temporary 'Black History' Museum Sprouts Up in Woodside Plaza

Stay informed on the latest crime in your local neighborhood - follow Patch!

Sign up for Redwood City-Woodside Patch’s daily newsletter
"Like” us on Facebook
"Follow” us on Twitter

Want to share your opinions with the communities of Redwood City and Woodside? Start your own blog here.