**Gymnastics Coach Arrested on Child Pornography Charges**
A gymnastics coach, Sean Gardner, aged 38, was arrested last week on federal charges related to child pornography. This arrest follows a suspension from his coaching position at Chow’s Gymnastics and Dance Institute in West Des Moines, Iowa, over allegations of sexual abuse that surfaced more than three years ago.
Court documents reveal that Gardner is accused of sexually abusing at least three young gymnasts at Chow’s and of secretly recording other girls undressing in a bathroom at his previous job at Jump’In Gymnastics & Tumbling in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Chow’s Gymnastics is notable for training U.S. Olympic champions Shawn Johnson and Gabby Douglas.
In a 2019 interview with a local ABC affiliate, Gardner expressed his admiration for Chow’s Gymnastics, stating it was the job he had always wanted. He described the gym’s culture as “amazing” and “beautiful.” A year later, he was promoted to director of Chow’s Winter Classic, an annual gymnastics meet that attracts over 1,000 participants. During his four years at Chow’s, several of his students secured college gymnastics scholarships, but Gardner aimed to leave a lasting impact on their lives.
In March 2022, a girl reported to SafeSport that Gardner employed “inappropriate spotting techniques,” which included placing his hands between her legs. She also alleged that he made derogatory comments, asking girls about their sexual activity and using terms like “idiots,” “sluts,” and “whores.” This behavior reportedly began after his hiring in 2018 and continued until she left the gym in 2020. She identified six other potential victims.
In April 2024, another former athlete from Chow’s approached the West Des Moines Police Department with similar abuse allegations, as detailed in a now-sealed affidavit. Gardner is currently being held at the Polk County Jail in Des Moines and is set to be transported to Mississippi to face charges there. Investigators seized evidence, including a cellphone, laptop, and desktop computer, along with handwritten notes exchanged between Gardner and his former students. They reportedly found images of girls aged approximately 6 to 14 in compromising situations.
**FAQ**
**What charges is Sean Gardner facing?**
Sean Gardner is facing federal charges related to child pornography and allegations of sexual abuse involving young gymnasts.
