WISCASSET — A 57-year-old martial arts instructor was found guilty Wednesday of sexually abusing a former 15-year-old student and of twice trying to convince the victim to tell police their relationship was not sexual.
Brant W. Perkins of Boothbay Harbor, who taught jiu jitsu at several local facilities, was found guilty by the Lincoln County Superior Court jury of one count of sexual abuse of a minor, a Class C felony. Justice Dan Billings found Perkins guilty of two counts of Class B felony tampering with a witness.
A fourth charge, possession of child pornography, will be tried at a later date, Assistant District Attorney Jonathan Liberman said.
Perkins was arrested March 7, 2013, by Maine State Police Detective Josh Birmingham after Perkins’ former girlfriend reported Brant told her he was having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl in November 2012, according to court documents.
The victim confirmed the relationship to state police, and Brant admitted he maintained a sexual relationship with the victim, according to an affidavit.
Perkins, then of Edgecomb, was arrested and charged with sexual abuse of a minor. He pleaded not guilty.
He subsequently was charged with tampering with the victim after sending the victim text messages, urging her to deny the relationship was sexual and to tell police he was “like a dad” to her.
Perkins’ former girlfriend said he knew the victim was only 15 because he planned to make her a birthday cake to celebrate her 16th birthday, according to court documents.
Perkins’ trial began Monday, and jurors were charged Wednesday morning, returning a verdict before lunch.
He faces a maximum 10-year sentence on each count of tampering with a witness or victim and five years maximum for sexual abuse of a minor.
Perkins will appear in court on July 20 to face a charge of Class C felony possession of child pornography. Prosecutors allege a search of Perkins’ cellphone revealed 12 photos of young children engaged in sexual activity.