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Martial arts instructor charged with DWI granted bond

Posted at 7:27 PM, Jun 28, 2013
and last updated 2013-06-29 11:22:28-04

CHESTERFIELD, Va. (WTVR)--In a brief court hearing, a Chesterfield judge granted bond for 34-year-old martial arts instructor Kristina Mangrum.

The Martial Arts instructor faces Driving While Intoxicated charges and seven counts of Child Endangerment Charges.

"My client is of course devastated by the allegations especially the nature of the allegations,” said Stephen Armstrong, Mangrum's Attorney.

As part of her bond agreement Mangrum has a 9 p.m. curfew, and she's subject to random drug and alcohol screenings. She can't drive or have any contact with children from the Martial Arts World.

Mangrum's attorney Stephen Armstrong believes the judge accepted the deal because she's not a flight or safety risk.  And that Mangrum has strong ties to her community.

"She is committed to regaining the trust of those who have put their trust in her as well as focusing on the love and support she has gotten from the community especially those who know her and know that these charges are completely out of character,” said Mangrum.

Police pulled over Mangrum, as she was headed eastbound on Hull Street, just past Hampton Park, driving a Martial Arts World van.

“I saw police pull the Martial Arts van over,” said Gary Lunsford.  “There were two officers: one went towards the driver, the other was talking to the kids.”

According to police, seven children were on board, ranging in age from six to 14.

Sources tell CBS-6 that calls had been coming into the dispatch center about the van swerving on Hull Street when police intercepted it.

Mangrum was arrested at the scene, and  police say her blood alcohol level was more than three times the legal limit.

The owner of that Brandermill location told CBS-6 off-camera that they take the allegations seriously.  He said in addition to the police investigation, they’re conducting their own internal one, saying the safety of the children and families is the highest priority.

CBS 6 did some digging on her driving record and found guilty pleas for two speeding charges, a following-too-closely charge and a failure-to-obey-highway-signs charge.

Armstrong says Mangrum's family wants her to get help, and they’re looking into private substance abuse treatment programs.

CBS 6 Legal expert Todd Stone says that could help strengthen Mangrum's case.

"Anytime, there's a high blood alcohol content like this, the defense attorney is going to be saying look there's some problem here that we need to address because if they address it now - the judge is more likely to send a really strong message in the future,” said Todd Stone, CBS 6 legal expert.

Mangrum’s family and friends showed up in court, but declined to speak with us.

Mangrum faces one count of Driving While Intoxicated and 7 counts of Child Endangerment.  If convicted, she could get up to 35 years behind bars.  She heads back to court in August.