The former coach of a Barrow County cheer team made his first court appearance Wednesday afternoon.
Charles Moore, 31, is charged with child sexual exploitation. The alleged victim is a 16-year-old girl who Moore coached at the Star Athletics Gym in Winder.
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“He allowed these young children to sexually exploit them later, after they reached a certain age. He would buy them alcohol, he would make threats against them if they didn’t send pictures over the internet, sexual pictures of them… they would lose their position on the team,” said Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith.
Smith said officers began investigating Moore after he was arrested by Loganville police on a similar charge in May.
“Our investigation began after Loganville made an arrest and he was out on bail. During the investigation they advised us that there may be victims in Barrow,” said Sheriff Smith.
Smith said his investigators searched Moore’s home before his arrest Tuesday and found sexually explicit videos and photos on his phone.
He said the video showed the suspect having sex in his car with the 16-year-old victim in the gym parking lot.
He suspects that there are more victims.
“We have some victims who may be afraid to come forward because they may have sent him stuff. We want them to know that they won’t get in trouble if they come forward,” Smith said.
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The sheriff said the gym conducted a background check on Moore before hiring him and found nothing in his record that raised concerns. He said the gym is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
The gym had no comment.
Although Moore was released on bail after his arrest in May, a judge declined to impose bond during his appearance in Barrow County Magistrate’s court.
The alleged victim in the case was in court but did not make a statement.
Moore told the judge he did not have an attorney and would try to find one.
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