Baton Rouge, LA – Federal investigators are urging potential victims to come forward in the case of a former gymnastics coach recently charged with sexual exploitation of children.
According to the FBI’s New Orleans and Jackson divisions, Sean Michael Gardner, who worked at multiple gymnastics facilities across several states, allegedly targeted children between 2004 and 2022. Gardner coached at Athletes in Motion in Prairieville, Louisiana, from 2004 to 2014, Jump In Gymnastics and Tumbling in Purvis, Mississippi, from 2014 to 2018, and Chows Gymnastics and Dance in West Des Moines, Iowa, from 2018 to 2022.
The FBI confirmed Gardner was recently charged under federal law for sexual exploitation of children. Agents said they are seeking to identify additional individuals who may have been affected. Anyone who believes they were victimized, or who may have relevant information, is encouraged to fill out the FBI’s online questionnaire or submit digital evidence through its confidential tip portal.
Investigators emphasized that all victim identities will remain confidential. The FBI also noted that victims may be eligible for services, restitution, and other protections under federal and state law.
The Bureau is also asking members of the public to share the information with anyone who may have had contact with Gardner during the identified timeframes.
For more information or to report a potential connection to the case, visit fbi.gov/seangardnervictims.
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