Gymnastics coach gets 90 years in girls bathroom recordings case
Summary
Sean Gardner, a youth gymnastics coach, was sentenced to 90 years in prison for secretly recording young female gymnasts in a bathroom in Mississippi. The videos showed at least 10 minors undressing, and the case raised concerns about whether gymnastics authorities acted quickly to protect athletes from abuse.Key Facts
- Sean Gardner was sentenced to 90 years, serving 30 years for each of three child pornography charges.
- Gardner placed a hidden camera in a gym bathroom from December 2017 to April 2018.
- Investigators found about 50 videos and 400 photos of minors from Gardner’s home.
- Gardner coached at gyms in Mississippi and Iowa, including Chow's Gymnastics, known for training Olympic athletes.
- Several former students have accused Gardner of sexual abuse and inappropriate behavior.
- USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Center for SafeSport were reportedly warned about Gardner’s behavior in 2017 but took little action for years.
- SafeSport suspended Gardner in 2022 after abuse allegations and he was fired from Chow’s gym.
- Some coaches knew about Gardner’s misconduct but did not report it as required.
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