ALBANY – Following the LeClerc Martial Arts sex offender scandal that resulted in a 10-year prison sentence last year for Tyler LeClerc, son of convicted rapist Robert “Pat” LeClerc, founder of LeClerc Martial Arts, it prompted State Senator Michelle Hinchey (D, Saugerties) to take action to close a loophole in the state’s Education Law.
Under the current law, convicted sex offenders are not subjected to background checks, allowing them to operate facilities such as martial arts and dance studios.
When the younger LeClerc was convicted of sexually abusing young girls enrolled in his classes, Hinchey introduced a bill that would prevent registered sex offenders from owning, running, or working at businesses that provide instructional, recreational, or extracurricular activities to youths. On Monday, Hinchey’s bill passed the Senate and will now be considered by the Assembly.
After Monday’s vote, Hinchey said, “Every parent should be able to trust that their child is safe when they go to an after-school activity or sports program. This bill closes a dangerous loophole that was uncovered by a tragic situation in Dutchess County. Keeping our kids safe through common-sense legislation like this shouldn’t be optional; it should be the law in New York, and I’m proud we were able to get this passed unanimously in the Senate this week. I thank the parents and the advocates who have championed this change and look forward to seeing it pass the Assembly and having the Governor sign it into law.”
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