Jiu-Jitsu teacher arrested after allegedly manipulating and assaulting 14-year-old student

SAN ANTONIO – A jiu-jitsu instructor was arrested and charged after allegedly abusing and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old student.

Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar held a press conference at 3:30 p.m. Monday to discuss the arrest and charges.

According to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, 40-year-old Joseph Rene Caballero was arrested and charged after a 14-year-old girl made allegations of sexual abuse.

According to authorities, Caballero allegedly engaged in grooming-like behavior from October to December 2023, leaving secret admirer-style notes in the locker of a 14-year-old student.

This student was enrolled at Caballero’s Jiu-Jitsu school on Culebra Road near Ingram Road.

This ultimately culminated in a situation in which Caballero allegedly sexually abused the 14-year-old on several occasions.

“But unfortunately, they did get involved. And sexually assaulted the victim at least several times over the course of those few weeks. The young lady contacted her family members and told them what was going on. Of course, the family members called us to a home in West Bexar County where we took the report. Our child safety investigators did a great job putting the case together and putting Mr. Caballero behind bars,” Sheriff Salazar said.

Joseph Rene Caballero was arrested and charged with sexual abuse of a child. He has reportedly since posted bail and been released.

“We are making this public so that anyone who says, ‘This is my child’s martial arts school!’ should seriously consider not going to that martial arts school again,” Sheriff Salzar said.

The incident remains under investigation. Anyone who believes their child may have been affected is asked to call the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office at (210) 335-6000.