Instructor facing charges

An instructor at a Costa Mesa self-defense studio has been charged with molesting a 4-year-old student.

John Patrick Harison, 61, Anaheim, faces a maximum sentence of eight years in prison for one felony count of lewd acts on a child, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s office. Harison is a co-owner of United Studios of Self Defense at 2675 Irvine Ave.

“At this time there’s just one victim, but the concern is that if there were additional children receiving lessons he may have molested these children also, so if that’s the case, we would hope that they would come forward,” said Farrah Emami, a spokeswoman for the district attorney.

Harison was in court Thursday, where his arraignment was continued until Feb. 20. Also called “Harrison,” he’s being held on $100,000 bail.

Harison was arrested Monday after the victim’s mother called police and told them that the instructor had fondled the girl over her clothing. Although the alleged incident happened Jan. 19, the girl did not tell her mother until one week later, authorities said.

The defense studio, one of many in the 40-year-old nationwide chain, has been advised by legal counsel not to comment on the arrest, management said. The Costa Mesa branch remains open for business.

ALAN BLANK may be reached at (714) 966-4623 or at alan.blank@latimes.com.