Martial Arts Instructor Pleads Guilty to 6 Felonies – February 2026
- A martial arts instructor in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, has pleaded no contest to sexually assaulting a child and guilty to multiple counts of possessing child pornography.
- Manasreh-Decker, who taught martial arts to children in the Stevens Point area for over a decade, pleaded no contest to one count of sexual assault of a child...
- Portage County District Attorney Cass Cousins outlined the details of the plea agreement, stating that several additional charges would be dismissed but considered during sentencing.
A martial arts instructor in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, has pleaded no contest to sexually assaulting a child and guilty to multiple counts of possessing child pornography. Stephen C. Manasreh-Decker, 46, of Amherst, entered the pleas on , in Portage County Circuit Court, bringing an end to a case that has shaken the local community.
Manasreh-Decker, who taught martial arts to children in the Stevens Point area for over a decade, pleaded no contest to one count of sexual assault of a child by a person who volunteers or works with children, and one count of sexual assault causing harm to a sexual organ. A no contest plea is not an admission of guilt but acknowledges sufficient evidence exists for a conviction. He also pleaded guilty to four counts of child pornography possession.
Portage County District Attorney Cass Cousins outlined the details of the plea agreement, stating that several additional charges would be dismissed but considered during sentencing. These included one count of child enticement, five counts of sexual assault of a child by a person who volunteers or works with children, four counts of sexual assault causing injury to a sexual organ, one count of sexual assault with use of force, one count of causing mental harm to a child, 54 counts of child pornography possession, five counts of virtual child pornography possession, and one count of possession with intent to distribute child pornography.
The agreement also stipulated a limit on the potential prison sentence, with Cousins agreeing to request no more than 10 years incarceration on one charge and 15 years on the charge involving sexual assault of a child. Portage County Circuit Judge Louis Molepske Jr. Accepted the pleas and found Manasreh-Decker guilty on the charges to which he pleaded. He ordered a presentence investigation, with sentencing scheduled for .
According to reports, Manasreh-Decker was brought into court in a wheelchair wearing an orange jumpsuit and had been held in the Portage County Jail pending a $100,000 cash bond, which was revoked during the hearing. The case highlights the disturbing reality of abuse within seemingly safe environments, particularly those involving children and trusted authority figures.
This case echoes similar incidents across the country, raising questions about vetting processes and oversight within youth sports and extracurricular activities. Just last year, in Gilbert, Arizona, Dyllon DePalma, a former martial arts instructor, pleaded guilty to three charges of sexual misconduct involving a minor. Court documents revealed DePalma had allegedly engaged in sexual activity with a 15-year-old student who had been with his Team USA Martial Arts studio since the age of eight. Investigators reported DePalma admitted to being the girl’s instructor but denied a sexual relationship. He also faced previous allegations in 2021 of requesting nude pictures from a 13-year-old girl.
Further north, in Poughkeepsie, New York, a former instructor at a martial arts school pleaded guilty to felony and misdemeanor charges related to child sexual abuse. While details remain limited, this case adds to a growing pattern of abuse allegations within the martial arts community.
The Stevens Point case, like those in Arizona and New York, underscores the importance of robust background checks, mandatory reporting protocols, and comprehensive training for instructors and staff working with children. Parents and guardians are increasingly aware of the need to scrutinize the individuals entrusted with their children’s care and to report any suspicious behavior immediately.
The impact of these cases extends beyond the immediate victims, creating a climate of fear and distrust within the martial arts community. Danielle Pittman, a parent in Gilbert, Arizona, expressed her shock and dismay after learning of DePalma’s guilty plea, stating, “He was my son’s sensei and my son looked up to Dyllon… It’s every parent’s worst nightmare.” A former employee of DePalma’s studio emphasized the betrayal of trust inherent in such cases, noting, “He’s in a place of power, he’s someone that they trust. We teach them how to keep them safe… how do you handle that when one of those people is the person teaching it to you?”
As Manasreh-Decker awaits sentencing, the community in Stevens Point is left grappling with the betrayal of trust and the long-term consequences for the victim. The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and proactive measures to protect children from abuse in all settings.