The owner of a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school in Davie has been arrested for lewd and lascivious misconduct involving minors, authorities said.
Joao Da Silva, owner and instructor at Raiva Brazilian Jiu Jitsu on W. State Road 84, was arrested Tuesday, Davie Police officials said.
Davie Police Maj. Dale Engle said Da Silva, 34, is facing charges for two cases in Davie. A third alleged incident is being investigated by Hollywood Police, Engle said.
According to an arrest affidavit, the cases in Davie involve a 13-year-old and a 15-year-old.
The 13-year-old told police she had been attending the school for about three years and said she had been inappropriately touched by Da Silva about three times a week after class, the affidavit said.
The incidents began when she was under 12 and each time it happened "it was not an accident or in the course of teaching class," the affidavit said.
The 15-year-old, who was in the same class, told investigators she had also been touched by Da Silva, the affidavit said.
Davie Police officials said it's possible there are more victims.
"We don’t know if there are any other victims at this time, if there are we’re asking them to please contact the police department so that they can get the information to us and we can help them as well," police spokesperson Vivian Gallinal said.
Da Silva was booked on three counts of lewd and lascivious acts on a minor and one count of sexual assault, according to online records.
Da Silva appeared in court Wednesday where he was ordered held without bond. He must also stay away from the alleged victims.
According to the affidavit, the Hollywood case involves a 17-year-old victim. Officials in Hollywood said the investigation is ongoing.
