US Coach Marvin Sharp Arrested- Three Counts of Child Molestation

Tweet

American gymnastics coach Marvin Sharp was arrested Monday in Indiana, where he faces four counts of child molestation and three counts of sexual misconduct with a minor. On Tuesday, it was announced Sharp would face federal charges for both possession of and knowingly receiving "thousands" of files of child pornography police say they found on his home computer.

Sharp was the personal coach of Bridget Sloan, 2008 Olympian and the 2009 world all-around champion, and he also coached 2008 Olympian Samantha Peszek in 2009 after the retirement of her personal coach.
The 48-year-old Sharp owns Sharp's Gymnastics Academy in Indianapolis. A coach at Sharp's, Michele Callahan, told the local news channel that she does not believe he is guilty of the charges. “I stand by Marvin," she said. I have never seen him behave in any way whatsoever other than respectfully toward any gymnast. Gymnastics is a sport where its very nature puts male coaches at risk of false accusations."
USA Gymnastics released a statement on Sharp's arrest: "USA Gymnastics is concerned with the charges filed today against Marvin Sharp and is cooperating with law enforcement in its investigation. Athlete safety is the top priority for USA Gymnastics, and these charges contradict USA Gymnastics' philosophy, standards and policy."
Sharp is due to be arraigned Wednesday.