Boston Dance Teacher Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Child Held On $2.5M Bail
BOSTON (CBS) – A Boston dance teacher charged last week with sexually assaulting a 10-year-old boy multiple times has been ordered held on $2.5 million cash bail, the maximum amount possible.
Wilson Anthony, 19, is charged with two counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault and battery. Anthony is a break dance instructor who held private lessons with the young boy at his North End apartment on Canal street.
The District Attorney's office is concerned there could be more victims, and the state believes more charges will be filed once evidence is presented to a grand jury.
Since Anthony is an Indonesian national studying at Suffolk University under a student visa, he wants the option to stay in the United States. He was scheduled to return to Indonesia on March 10. But if convicted, he would not only be unable to finish school--he would be deported.
"He hopes to someday have the option of staying here," said attorney Max Stern during court proceedings Wednesday. "And, as your honor knows, if he's convicted of one of these offenses, he would be deportable."
Stern argues it's Anthony's word against a 10-year-old's.
Detectives said the child took lessons from Anthony for two years. The family met him within the dance community. Anthony did not teach with a school or dance company; he was independent.
The alleged abuse took place between June and September of last year. The boy and his parents reported the abuse to police on Sunday.
The young boy says Anthony made him bathe in his apartment after their private dance lessons, saying he was too sweaty to sit in his expensive Mercedes.
The state said Anthony is a flight risk, and spent a lot of time emphasizing the amount of money his family has. His family flew all the way from his home country of Indonesia to be with Anthony as he fights the charges.
If he makes bail, he must wear a GPS tracking device and stay in his home. The rape charges carry a minimum of 10 years in prison, while the assault charges carry up to four.
