Witnesses gave graphic testimony Monday in the trial of a former North Versailles karate instructor accused of sexually abusing eight boys he was instructing for years.
The alleged victims described how Michael Scherbanic, an instructor at Tang Soo Do Karate College, was a mentor, someone the kids looked up to. And they said he took advantage of them, buying gifts while the alleged abuse continued daily in some cases.
One alleged victim, who was 8 years old at the time, described how Scherbanic first invited him to sleep at the studio before a weekend tournament.
“He said, ‘Hey can I ask a favor? It’s best if I show you.’ He began pulling down his pants and underwear,” the victim said.
After a sex act, the boy claims Scherbanic said, “I know this is going to be weird. I’m just a different kind of person.”
That alleged victim said the abuse continued nearly every day until he was 12, with Scherbanic buying him gifts and food and giving him rides.
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Scherbanic is accused of sexually abusing eight boys between 8 and 13 years old. He is also charged in an elaborate scheme to kill his accusers that he allegedly planned while in the Allegheny County Jail.
There was extra security for Monday’s testimony, including a second metal detector at the courtroom door, because of the high-profile nature of the case, a deputy said.
Testimony resumes Tuesday morning.