Yesterday, the Jiu-Jitsu Times released a story about Michael Roussel, a martial arts instructor and Youth Program Program Coordinator at the O’Fallon, Illinois, branch of SIMS Martial Arts Academy. Roussel was arrested for possession of child pornography.
Minutes ago, the owner of the school, Gary Meek, made a statement about the instructor’s arrest. Meek told followers on the SIMS Facebook page that Roussel has been fired from his position and will not be allowed on the school premises:
On the evening of February 21st, 2018 we were contacted by the Belleville Police Department who advised that Michael Roussel was arrested and is being charged with counts related to possession of child pornography. A press release was issued by the Belleville Police Department and the link to that press release is as follows: https://www.facebook.com/BELLEVILLEPD/posts/974810986018240 . Accordingly, Michael Roussel will no longer act as a student instructor with S.I.M.S. Martial Arts and Fitness Academy and will not be permitted on the Academy’s premises. Should you have any further questions please contact the Belleville Police Department who have provided the following Point of Contact:
Master Sergeant Todd Keilbach
Belleville Police Department
Investigations Commander
618-355-9740
It is our understanding that the Belleville Police Department’s investigation into Michael Roussel is ongoing and accordingly we will pass along any further information that we may receive. Our staff has been fully cooperative with the ongoing investigation.
Sincerely,
Gary Meek
Owner
Gary also told the Jiu-Jitsu Times that there was no reason to believe any of the students at his academy were victims of this terrible crime:
Background Checks were conducted and there currently is no concern from investigators regarding students at the academy.
Roussel was arrested after officers found child pornography on his electronic devices. He is being held on $750,000 bail.
You can read the full story of his arrest .
On the evening of February 21st, 2018 we were contacted by the Belleville Police Department who advised that Michael…
Posted by SIMS Martial Arts Academy on Thursday, February 22, 2018
