Instructor Denies Molestation

A martial arts instructor pleaded innocent Monday to a charge that he molested a 14-year-old girl who was a student in his tae kwon do class.

Jeffrey Q. Griswold, 39, of Walla Walla, entered the plea in Walla Walla County Superior Court to a charge of third-degree child molestation. Judge Robert Zagelow scheduled a June 24 trial for Griswold, who was released pending trial.

Prosecutors allege Griswold fondled the girl during a game of “truth or dare” while the two were alone at Griswold’s home following a tae kwon do testing event Jan. 11.

Griswold’s lawyer has said his client planned to continue teaching martial arts pending the outcome of his case.

Griswold also is a corrections officer at the Washington State Penitentiary. Officials there have previously said Griswold would continue to work at the penitentiary while the case is aired.

If Griswold is convicted, he would face a standard-range sentence of six to 12 months in jail.