A report published by The Indianapolis Star found that USA Gymnastics did not alert law enforcement officials about allegations of sexual abuse by coaches.
According to findings from The Indianapolis Star, four instances were uncovered where officials were told about sexual abuse but coaches but did not report it to law enforcement.
USA Gymnastics is the national governing body in the country for the sport. It would not disclose how many sexual misconduct allegations it gets each year.
The IndyStar, according to its findings, reported that the organization has a policy of screening out complaints not signed by a victim or their parent; there was reluctance to report the alleged abuse because of fear of its effect on reputations of coaches and the organization; the organization's executives rarely reported allegations if they were not prompted to do so first; and some coaches with complaints about them later allegedly molested children.
The report said, citing a 2013 lawsuit and comments by former USA Gymnastics officials under oath, that the organization's over-reliance on firsthand reports -- from parents of the victim or the victim themselves -- may have made the problem worse.
The Indianapolis Star said it found four cases in which officials were warned about coaches who have been accused of sexual misconduct.
One of those cases involved a coach in Georgia named William McCabe, who The Star reported was suspected of preying on underage gymnasts since 1996. The report said McCabe continued working in the organization for six years after a complaint about him in 1998. Three more complaints followed.
A 2011 complaint to the organization said Marvin Sharp inappropriately touched minors. The organization reported him to police after another allegation was made against him.
The Star also reported coach Mark Schiefelbein had substantial complaints against him and similar reports of sexual abuse by James Bell, which are explicitly detailed in the investigative report.
The report said those coaches then abused 14 underage gymnasts, citing police and court records.
USA Gymnastics President Steve Penny responded to The Indianapolis Star's report in a statement of the organization's website Thursday.
"Addressing issues of sexual misconduct has been important to USA Gymnastics for many years, and the organization is committed to promoting a safe environment for its athletes. We find it appalling that anyone would exploit a young athlete or child in this manner, and recognize the effect this behavior can have on a person’s life," the statement said.
"USA Gymnastics believes it has a duty to report to law enforcement whenever circumstances warrant, as was the case when I initiated the report of Marvin Sharp. USA Gymnastics has been assured by law enforcement that it went above and beyond its legal obligations to report on this matter. USA Gymnastics has, in the strongest terms, encouraged anyone who believes abuse has occurred to contact law enforcement and frequently works with law enforcement on these matters.
“USA Gymnastics seeks first-hand knowledge whenever allegations of abuse arise as the most reliable source to take action and as outlined in its bylaws and policies. … We remain committed to this effort and have been working closely with the U.S. Olympic Committee to help keep athletes safe in all sports."
Penny said he and the organization felt The Star "left out significant facts that would have painted a more accurate picture of our efforts."
The Star also interviewed women and relatives of women who came forward as survivors of sexual abuse by former coaches. The full report can be found at The Indianapolis Star.
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