A karate teacher arrested last May for abusing young boys saw his case grow with 61 new charges for sexual crimes of all kinds, he who allegedly claimed 11 victims, sometimes as young as 7 years old.
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Réal Chayer, of Saint-Lin–Laurentides, appeared this afternoon to face a host of new charges. No less than 65 charges have been filed against him in total so far, including sexual exploitation of minors, sexual assault and sexual contact with children under 14 years old.
Despite the serious accusations against Chayer, he did not flinch during his appearance by videoconference before a judge at the Joliette courthouse.
The 59-year-old man is a karate teacher, but is also a referee in this discipline, according to our information.
Photo taken from Facebook – Drakshido
Chayer allegedly committed his crimes over a period of more than 20 years – between 2001 and 2022 – in several cities, including Repentigny, Laval and Saint-Lin–Laurentides.
“We are talking about new alleged victims who came forward after the [médiatisation] of his first arrest. The investigation is still ongoing,” explained Lieutenant Benoit Richard, spokesperson for the Sûreté du Québec (SQ).
In a position of authority
At least one of the alleged victims was as young as 7 when she was allegedly abused. These are young boys for acts which allegedly occurred in a context linked to sport, we learned. A publication ban protects their identity.
The karate teacher was also in a position of authority over several of them, according to an arrest warrant issued against him.
He is still registered as the sole owner of the Drakshido martial arts school, which is located in Repentigny, according to the Quebec Business Register.
Réal Chayer is still listed as the owner of the Drakshido martial arts school, which is located in Repentigny.
Photo Facebook Drakshido
On December 31, four days after an arrest warrant was issued against him, photos were shared on the Drakshido academy’s Facebook page, including one where we see Réal Chayer, all smiles.
Detained
However, he was arrested for the first time last May by the Sûreté du Québec. He was then accused in particular of sexual assault on two minor boys.
Réal Chayer at the time of his first arrest by the Sûreté du Québec, in May 2023.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE SQ
The accused was able to regain his freedom at that time by agreeing to respect certain conditions. But given his impressive record now, the Crown opposed his release on Monday. He is due back in court tomorrow for further legal proceedings.
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