If you or someone you know needs resources or support related to sexual violence, contact the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault’s 24/7 hotline at 800-871-7741.
A former taekwondo instructor recently accused of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl has died.
John Keeler, 59, died May 24, the Office of Chief Medical Examiner said Monday. The cause and manner of death are pending.
Keeler was arrested May 16 and had his first court appearance on May 19. Keeler was charged in Penobscot County Superior Court with 10 counts of gross sexual assault against a child under 12, as well as counts of unlawful sexual contact against a child under 12, sexual misconduct with a child under 12 years old and unlawful sexual touching.
Charges in the case will be dismissed because the defendant is dead, Penobscot County Prosecutor R. Christopher Almy said.
The charges stem from alleged sexual assaults in 2023 in Bangor against an 11-year-old family member, according to the affidavit in court records. Keeler would be alone with the girl when he took her to taekwondo lessons.
He denied the allegations, his attorney said at the court appearance. Keeler was granted a $50,000 cash or $100,000 cash surety bail.
