BLAINE, Minn. – A north metro gymnastics coach is accused of exposing himself to children in a park before inviting them to attend his class at a nearby studio.
The 26-year-old Isanti man was charged with fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct in the presence of a minor under the age of 16, according to a complaint filed Monday in Anoka County.
Blaine police were called to Carrara West Park last Friday just before 5 p.m., where they encountered a woman and her 12-year-old son.
The boy told police he had been sitting on a picnic table with his siblings when a man sat next to them, the complaint said. The man began talking to the children before allegedly exposing himself to them.
According to the complaint, the man invited the children to attend his class if they received permission from their parents. He then walked away to Jam Hops Gymnastics Studio.
Officers went to the studio where they found the suspect and he admitted to talking to the children. However, he denied exposing himself, according to the complaint.
Jam Hops Gymnastics Studio says it has since terminated the man’s employment and barred him from entering the facility or contacting students.
“This incident is deeply disturbing. We know it has damaged trust and caused concern among parents and the community, and we are heartbroken that this has happened,” said Jam Hops President Brenda Nolby.
Nolby says the studio is cooperating with law enforcement and has reported the situation to safety body SafeSport, which is also investigating the incident.
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