Suburban Taekwondo instructor arrested on child pornography charges

MCHENRY COUNTY, Ill. - A suburban man who works as a Taekwondo instructor is accused of possessing child pornography, including of a victim under 13 years old.

In June 2023, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children notified Huntley police about an unidentified internet subscriber who may be in the possession of child pornography. The police department then opened a months-long investigation until they identified a suspect – Allen Q. Nguyen.

On Oct. 24, authorities executed a search warrant at a residence in the 10400 block of Auburn Ct., where Nguyen was renting a room. Based on evidence obtained during the search, Nguyen was taken into custody and booked into the McHenry County Jail.

He's been charged with several felonies:

• Child Pornography – Reproduce or Distribute of Video – Class X
• Child Pornography – Reproduce or Distribute – Victim Under 13 – Class X
• Child Pornography – Possess Visual Reproduction on Computer /Video - Victim Under 13– Class 2
• Child Pornography – Possess Visual Reproduction on Computer/Video– Class 2

Nguyen is a Taekwondo instructor at Ha's Taekwondo in Lake in the Hills. It was announced that a parent-only meeting would be held Friday night at the business to discuss the matter.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Huntley PD at 847-515-5311.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling the Huntley Police Tip Line at 847-515-5333 or by texting TIP HUNTLEY followed by your message to 888777.

Ha's Taekwondo released the following statement Friday afternoon:

Ha's Taekwondo has been serving the community for 25 years. The recent arrest of our former employee, Allen, has been concerning to both the school and our students' parents. This employee had no criminal record or any warning signs. According to the Huntley Police Department, there is no connection between the arrest and our school. However, at Ha's Taekwondo, we take student safety very seriously. Our business practices have a strict set of guidelines and policies in place to ensure parents' trust in our school. This trust is what has allowed Ha's Taekwondo to make a positive impact on people's lives for 23 years. We are committed to regaining this trust by bringing in a professional and implementing new security programs. We have already scheduled a private meeting for students' parents to have an open dialogue about the situation. We ask the public to refrain from making any false or unrelated comments that might cause more unnecessary pain and suffering to the innocent parties involved. Any tips or concerns should be communicated directly to the Huntley Police Department.