FBI Seeks Information in Gymnastics Coach Sexual Abuse Investigation

A federal grand jury in Mississippi has charged former gymnastics coach Sean Michael Gardner with ten counts of sexual exploitation of children. Ongoing investigations have revealed a decades-long pattern of abuse allegations against the trainer by former students in three states. The FBI believes Gardner may have abused many more young athletes during his career and is asking anyone with information or evidence to come forward.

Survivors who are willing to speak up help law enforcement gather essential information and gain a deeper understanding of the full scope of the issue. If you or someone you love was abused by Gardner or another coach, an experienced sexual abuse attorney can help protect your rights as you pursue justice.

The experienced attorneys at Sommers Schwartz, P.C., can help. We’ve successfully helped survivors of sexual abuse claims hold numerous prominent training facilities and organizations accountable, including Michigan State University, USA Gymnastics, and the U.S. Olympic Committee.

Uncovering a Pattern of Sexual Abuse

Gymnastics coach Sean Michael Gardner worked with some of the most promising young athletes in women’s gymnastics. He trained gymnasts in Louisiana and Mississippi before moving to the prestigious Chow’s Gymnastics and Dance in West Des Moines, Iowa, in 2018. Chow’s was known for training Olympic champions like Shawn Johnson and Gabby Douglas. 

Over the next four years, Gardner coached hundreds of promising gymnasts. He served as director of Chow’s Winter Classic, a competition that attracted more than a thousand gymnasts each year. He also coached a junior Olympics team. In 2022, however, Chow’s removed him from his position after multiple athletes reported inappropriate behavior and sexual abuse. 

In March 2022, one gymnast reported to the U.S. Center for SafeSport that Gardner used “inappropriate spotting techniques,” putting his hands between her legs and touching her genitals. Spotting helps protect gymnasts from potentially dangerous falls, but it does not require touching a gymnast’s genitals. 

SafeSport is a watchdog group formed to prevent abuse like that perpetuated by Larry Nassar, the Michigan State University doctor and trainer convicted of abusing hundreds of young athletes throughout his decades-long career. After learning of the allegations, SafeSport suspended Gardner from all contact with gymnasts and informed USA Gymnastics.

An Associated Press investigation later discovered that at least three young gymnasts at Chow’s had accused Gardner of sexual contact and physical abuse before his termination. It also uncovered allegations that Gardner had secretly recorded girls undressing and using the bathroom at Jump’In Gymnastics and Tumbling in Mississippi, where he worked before joining Chow’s. 

The investigation also reported claims that Gardner routinely used inappropriate language, asking the girls whether they were sexually active and calling them “idiots, sluts, and whores.” A former student who reported this behavior and accused Gardner of physical and sexual abuse also named six other potential victims. 

Federal and State Criminal Charges

Although SafeSport barred Gardner from working with gymnasts in 2022, he was hired in 2024 to assist with the care of surgery patients at an Iowa hospital. This role gave him access to more vulnerable individuals, although there have been no allegations yet relating to his performance in this job.

In 2024, one of Gardner’s former students at Chow’s reported allegations of sexual abuse to the Des Moines Police Department. Gardner appeared on charges in an Iowa state court before being transferred to face Mississippi state court charges.

In 2025, the FBI took over the investigation. It found hundreds of nude photos and video files of underage girls in Gardner’s possession. He was arrested and charged with multiple counts of “sexual exploitation of children” in violation of Title 18, Section 2251(a) of the United States Code.

In its press release, the FBI states that it “believes [Gardner] primarily targeted children who utilized gymnastics facilities” at several locations between 2004 and 2022, including:

• Athletes in Motion in Prairieville, Louisiana, from 2004 to 2014.
• Jump’In Gymnastics and Tumbling in Purvis, Mississippi, from 2014 to 2018.
• Chow’s Gymnastics and Dance in West Des Moines, Iowa, from 2018 to 2022. 

The agency has created a short online questionnaire for victims of Gardner’s abuse. It is also collecting related photos and videos, which you can submit using the FBI’s Digital Media Tips form. The agency will keep any submitted images or videos confidential. 

As the case develops and more information comes to light, federal prosecutors may bring additional federal charges against Gardner. State prosecutors may also bring criminal charges against Gardner for state law violations, such as child abuse, sexual assault, and child pornography. 

Recovering Compensation for Sexual Abuse

In addition to providing evidence in the criminal proceedings, abuse survivors may be able to file civil lawsuits. Criminal proceedings generally do not provide compensation to abuse victims. A civil lawsuit can allow survivors to pursue compensation for the physical, mental, and emotional damages they suffered as a result of sexual abuse.

A crime victim can pursue a civil lawsuit while a criminal case is underway. However, since civil and criminal cases can overlap and affect one another, it’s a good idea to consult an attorney before taking any legal action. Working with a personal injury lawyer who has considerable experience handling sexual assault cases is the best way to protect your legal right to pursue the compensation you deserve.  The dedicated legal team at Sommers Schwartz, P.C., can help support you through every type of court proceeding. We understand that sharing your story can be a frightening and painful experience. Our experienced and compassionate attorneys will help you pursue justice, recover compensation, and access other available resources. To learn more, contact our office today.