Posted on: Friday, April 29, 2005

Ex-dance instructor to face sex charges

Advertiser Staff

A former 'Aiea dance instructor has been indicted by the O'ahu grand jury on charges of sexually assaulting four teenage dance students.

The indictment returned on Wednesday sends the sexual assault case against Daniel E. Jones, 20, of Punchbowl, to trial. A trial date will be set when Jones is arraigned Monday. Defense attorney Myron Takemoto said his client will plead not guilty.

Circuit Judge Derrick Chan granted a request by city prosecutors to increase bail from $50,000 to $150,000, but Jones posted a $150,000 bond yesterday to remain free. His lawyers are asking that it be reduced to $50,000. Chan will hear that request May 19. Jones, a former instructor at the Rosalie Woodson Dance Academy in 'Aiea, is charged with first-degree sexual assault and third-degree sexual assault of three 13-year-old girls and a 14-year-old girl between August last year and March this year at various locations.

Rosalie Woodson, founder of the academy, as well as friends and relatives have come out in support of Jones.