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Former karate instructor denies sexually assaulting boys

A former karate instructor took the stand in his own defense Thursday, denying charges of sexual abuse committed against more than a half-dozen boys.

One by one Thursday afternoon, Michael Scherbanic, former North Versailles karate teacher, denied charges of alleged sexual abuse against any of the victims.

Sherbanic is accused of sexually abusing eight boys ages 8 to 13

He described to jurors how he met the alleged victims through his karate class or through friends of his students.

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Defense attorney Richard Narvin asked Scherbanic, “Did you ever go to the bathroom alone with the victims?” Sherbanic answered, “No, I didn’t.”

Narvin then asked, “Did you ever perform any sexual acts on the victims?” Scherbanic answered, "No I did not.”

During cross examination, prosecutors wasted no time attempting to poke holes in Scherbanic’s defense.

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Prosecutors: “Would you agree there were times you were alone with the victim?”

Scherbanic said, “Yes.”

Sherbanic did admit in court that he wrote letters asking his friends to lie about his whereabouts in court and speak highly of his credibility if they testified.

He also admitted to jurors he drew out maps of the alleged victims' homes while at the Allegheny County Jail in an attempt to intimidate them.

Sherbanic is also facing charges of hatching a scheme to kill his accusers -- a plan he allegedly created while in jail.

In court, he denied that accusation.

Jurors will hear closing arguments starting at 9:30 a.m. Friday.