ORANGE COUNTY, Fla.,None — A former karate instructor didn't say much when a judge sentenced him to 13 years in prison Tuesday for allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl at a martial arts studio. The victim's family held nothing back at Tuesday's emotional sentencing.
Matthew Murgia didn't even glance at his victim as she sat in the courtroom in tears and he did not address her when given the chance.
"Thanks to all the people that were behind me supporting me; my friends, my family, my lawyer. That's it," Murgia said.
His comments were brief, but others had plenty to say about the former karate instructor.
Nancy Hartman is the owner of the Black Belt Center in Orlando where Murgia worked.
Murgia is accused of stalking and having a sexual relationship with one of his students. He was 25 years old and she was 14 years old.
"It's been like finding out you have a snake sneaking around behind you destroying this young girl and smiling," Hartman said.
But the harshest words came from the victim's mother.
"Matthew Murgia is where he should be. I'm not sure he'll ever understand the depth of pain he caused those who love him and those of us who don't," the victim's mother said in court.
After reaching a plea deal, Murgia will spend 13 years in prison. He's forbidden from ever working with children again and he'll be labeled a sex offender for life.
The victim's mother said the punishment is justice for her daughter.
"Mathew Murgia has been a wolf in sheep's clothing for many years with children in his care. We take solace in knowing he will be removed from the innocence of children that fed his sick obsession," she said.
Once he completes his sentence, Murgia will spend seven years on sex offender probation. He was also forbidden to have contact with anyone under 18 and he can never hold a job where he has to deal with children.
Murgia was fired from the karate studio immediately after the investigation began. Detectives believe this was an isolated case and do not think there were other victims.
Previous Stories: June 7, 2010: Karate Instructor Accused Of Having Sex With Student