Robert James Morrison pleaded guilty Aug. 16 to five separate counts — four felonies and one gross misdemeanor — at a plea hearing.
He was charged with three felony counts of rape of a child, one felony count of communication with a minor for immoral purposes and a gross misdemeanor count of communication with a minor for immoral purposes.
The guilty plea came less than a month before Morrison’s Sept. 4 trial date.
Morrison was out on bail but following his guilty pleas Thursday, he was taken back into custody.
His next court appearance will be for sentencing on Sept. 21.
The prosecution is recommending Morrison serve 60 months for each of the four felony counts.
According to court documents, the terms on each of the four counts would run concurrently with each other.
The state is also recommending he serve community custody if he is released prior to the 60 months in prison, according to Dan Katzer, media relations for the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
This custody is “mandatory for any sex offense” for a period of 36 months, according to the documents.
For the gross misdemeanor charge, the prosecution is recommending a suspended 364 days for 24 months, according to Katzer.
Along with his sentencing, Morrison must also register as a sex offender and must not hold any position of authority involving minors.
In August 2016, Morrison was charged with one count of communicating with a minor for immoral purposes and three counts of rape of a child in the third degree.
He originally pleaded not guilty to all charges in September 2016.
Morrison is the former owner of Lee’s Martial Arts studio in Renton and Maple Valley.
For related stories previous run by The Reporter, click on the following links:
• Martial arts teacher’s relationship with victim began when she was 14, according to court documents
