A sexual assault charge has been filed against a man who founded and runs martial arts centers in the Twin Cities area.

David W. Arnebeck, 48, fondled a teenage girl as she slept over at his house in Minnetonka in late December, according to a gross-misdemeanor charge filed in Hennepin County District Court.

The Warrior's Cove facilities in St. Louis Park, Burnsville and Little Canada train clients of all ages, including children. Arnebeck's attorney, Robert Sicoli, said Tuesday there is no restriction on Arnebeck's ability to work with children as clients.

"That was in agreement with prosecutors during his first appearance [in court]," Sicoli said. "[Prosecutor Juanita Freeman] was fine with that."

In the meantime, Arnebeck is still running his outlets, but "he does more of the business aspect," Sicoli said. "He's not having a lot of contact with children. It was justified to have that kind of agreement."

"After understanding all of the facts of the case, we didn't think it was necessary to add the condition of no contact with children," said Mike Freeman, Hennepin County attorney. "All of the parties were aware we would not be seeking that condition."

According to the complaint, a 15-year-old girl was asleep at one of her frequent overnights at Arnebeck's house when he started touching her sexually over her clothing. She awoke, pushed Arnebeck's arm away and went into the bedroom of a juvenile who lives at the home.

Arnebeck was charged by warrant. His next court appearance in the case is May 10.

In 1996, Arnebeck was convicted of a prostitution-related misdemeanor in Minneapolis, according court records.

According to the Warrior's Cove website, Arnebeck is a master martial arts instructor who has won national and international competitions. The first Warrior's Cove opened in St. Louis Park in 1996. He has been instructing since 1980.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482