UPDATE: Robert Morrison did not appear at his probable cause hearing Thursday afternoon on four counts of communicating with a minor for immoral purposes and one count of rape of a child in the third degree and waived his right to bail and was remanded back to jail.

Felony charges are expected to be filed Friday.

ORIGINAL POST:

Police have arrested the owner of Lee’s Martial Arts studios in Renton and Maple Valley on suspicion of multiple counts of communicating with a child for immoral purposes and of rape of a child.

Robert James Morrison, 42, of Bellevue, is suspected of having sexual contact with some of the underage female students of his Renton martial arts studio, located at 405 South Third St. in Renton.

According to Commander David Leibman of the Renton Police Department, the investigation began when Washington State Child Protective Services received a complaint from an acquaintance of Morrison’s that Morrison was engaged in inappropriate behavior with one student.

Once contacted, the student told investigators that she was 15 years old when Morrison began developing a sexual relationship with her. Two other students, who attend the Maple Valley facility, have come forward, saying that that Morrison sent them inappropriate pictures on Snapchat.

Investigators are checking to see if there are additional victims.

Wednesday’s arrest led to Renton detectives serving search warrants today on both Morrison’s Bellevue home and his Renton martial arts studio.

Morrison has a schedule court appearance Thursday afternoon.

Anyone who may know of additional victims or with information on the case are asked to call Renton Detective Jason Renggli at 425-430-7525.