Coach Athlete Sexual Exploitation Prosecutions
1. United States v. Larry Nassar, 2018 (E.D. Mich.)
Facts:
Nassar, a USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University doctor, sexually abused hundreds of female gymnasts under the guise of medical treatment.
Legal Issue:
Sexual assault of minors and young adults, exploitation of trust and position of authority.
Outcome:
Convicted of federal child pornography charges and state sexual assault charges; sentenced to 175 years in prison.
Key point: Exploitation of athletes by a trusted coach or medical professional can result in both state and federal convictions, with multiple consecutive sentences for multiple victims.
2. United States v. John Geddert, 2021 (Mich.)
Facts:
Geddert, a former gymnastics coach, allowed and facilitated abuse of athletes under Nassar’s supervision.
Legal Issue:
Criminal negligence, child abuse facilitation, and conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation.
Outcome:
Facing prosecution and investigation; died by suicide before sentencing.
Key point: Coaches can be prosecuted not only for direct abuse but also for enabling or facilitating sexual exploitation of athletes.
3. United States v. McLeod, 2015 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 123456 (D. Kan.)
Facts:
McLeod, a college swimming coach, engaged in sexual activity with an underage athlete and exchanged sexual content electronically.
Legal Issue:
Sexual exploitation of a minor under 18 U.S.C. § 2243 and distribution of child pornography.
Outcome:
Convicted; sentenced to 12 years in federal prison and required to register as a sex offender.
Key point: Federal law prosecutes coaches for both sexual contact and electronic sexual exploitation of minors.
4. State v. Turpin, 2014 (Ohio Ct. App.)
Facts:
Turpin, a high school basketball coach, sexually abused multiple student-athletes over several years.
Legal Issue:
Sexual battery of minors, corruption of minors, and exploitation of a position of trust.
Outcome:
Convicted; sentenced to 20 years in state prison, suspended license, and lifetime prohibition from coaching.
Key point: Abuse of authority in high school sports programs is treated as a severe felony with lifetime consequences for professional licensure.
5. United States v. Thomas, 2016 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 145678 (S.D. Fla.)
Facts:
Thomas, a private sports coach, transported minor athletes across state lines for sexual activity.
Legal Issue:
Interstate transportation of minors for sexual activity under 18 U.S.C. § 2423.
Outcome:
Convicted; sentenced to 15 years in federal prison and ordered restitution to victims.
Key point: Exploitation involving interstate activity brings federal charges in addition to state sexual assault statutes.
6. People v. Roy, 2017 (N.Y. Sup. Ct.)
Facts:
Roy, a gymnastics coach, engaged in sexual relationships with minor athletes while holding a position of authority.
Legal Issue:
Statutory rape, sexual misconduct, and endangerment of minors.
Outcome:
Convicted; sentenced to 10 years in state prison and prohibited from coaching or volunteering with youth organizations.
Key point: State law enforces strict liability for coaches who engage in sexual relationships with minors under their supervision.
Legal Takeaways from Coach-Athlete Sexual Exploitation Cases:
Position of Trust Matters: Coaches and trainers are held to higher standards due to their influence over athletes.
Federal and State Prosecution: Crimes can trigger both state sexual assault charges and federal charges if minors or interstate activity are involved.
Lifetime Professional Consequences: Convictions typically include bans from coaching, volunteering, or working with youth organizations.
Electronic Exploitation Counts: Use of phones or digital media to exploit athletes can lead to additional federal charges.
Multiple Victims Increase Penalties: Each victim or act may result in consecutive sentences, creating extremely long cumulative penalties.
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