Alvidrez Pleads Not Guilty, Free on Personal Recognizance

An Enumclaw martial arts instructor who of having sexual relations with a 15-year-old student pleaded not guilty on Monday in King County Superior Court to two counts of third-degree rape of a child.

Samuel Shane Alvidrez, 49, is the owner of Enumclaw School of Martial Arts, at 1362 Cole St. Charging documents from the King County Prosecutor’s Office accuse Alvidrez of having sexual relations with a female student between March 1, 2010, and June 30, 2010, at his residence and at the martial arts studio, where he is also an instructor.

His attorney, Richard Warner, told the court that Alvidrez has no criminal history. "We deny these allegations strenuosly--this is a troubled young lady and we believe ultimately, Mr. Alvidrez will be found not guilty of these charges."

Warner asked the court both to release Alvidrez on his own personal recognizance and to amend a no-contact with minors order requested by prosecutors such that as long as an adult was present who was aware of the allegations he currently faces, he would not be in violation.

Warner indicated that Alvidrez not only owns the martial arts studio but also a home construction and remodeling business as well as an independent restaurant. "We ask the court to release him on his own personal recognizance so he can continue to support his family," he said.

Judge Mary E. Roberts granted both requests over objections by prosecutors who expressed concern about community safety as well as the fact that the allegations of contact with the victim extended over the course of several months. "Given his age and the fact that he's essentially had no contact with the criminal justice system, I am not concerned that he will fail to appear for court, and I am less concerned about public safety, having nothing of this nature in the past," she said.

Roberts addressed Alvidrez directly: "You need to take particular care to follow my order in regard to contact with any minors, not without the supervision of an adult who knows about the allegations, so that's going to have an impact on your businesses." 

The mother of the alleged victim was given a chance to address the court as well and expressed her fear of living in the same community as Alvidrez, citing examples of threatening behavior that she has experienced. "We've lived in Enumclaw all our lives," said the woman, who has used her first name, Arletta, in previous coverage of the case. "He scares us. ... It's a very small community we live in."

Roberts thanked Arletta for her testimony and encouraged her to continue to work with a court advocate in gathering information, especially statements from other possible victims, but indicated, "I will stick with the conditions I have set forth. I am, of course, concerned about what I hear. ... I am also certain that as the state is concerned, we will take the appropriate steps for following through with any allegations that might be forthcoming from other young women."

Arletta told Patch that she's already received four signed statements from young women in the community alleging inappropriate contact with Alvidrez.

Alvidrez will return to court June 16 for a case scheduling hearing.