Woman says gymnastics coach assaulted her
5:49 p.m. Wednesday, August 27, 2008
It allegedly happened Sunday night at the Gymzone in the 3500 block of 21st Street. We are not identifying him because it is our policy not to name suspects in criminal cases until they've been charged.
Police arrested the gym owner and booked him into jail, suspected of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, unlawful criminal restraint and criminal threats. A woman not connected with this case says this isn't the first time he has attacked a woman at a gym.
"I was upset that it happened again, but I was glad to hear he's caught because he's needed to be caught for a long time," says Kim Baker.
She wasn't surprised to hear her old gymnastics teacher had been arrested for sexual assault.
According to Topeka Police, the owner of the gym zone was arrested and booked on charges of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, unlawful criminal restraint and criminal threats. A sign was posted on the front door saying the gym zone had closed due to personal circumstances.
Ten years ago, Kim Baker says the owner was her gymnastics coach. She said he often made inappropriate comments and tried to grope her during practice.
"He would call me and make inappropriate remarks and inappropriate touching that shouldn't happen to a 12-year-old girl," says Baker.
She was afraid to speak out then, but now wants others to come forward.
"I want encourage anyone one out there, if he's done this to you or another person, to come forward. It's okay. It's not your fault," says Baker.
She wants to make sure it doesn't happen to anyone else.
The man has never been convicted or even charged with any type of sexual assault. We'll keep following this story and let you know if and when that man is charged.
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