A former gymnastics coach, Sean Gardner, with ties to a renowned youth training facility in Iowa has been arrested after investigators discovered a significant cache of child pornography at his home. The arrest has reopened scrutiny into earlier allegations of abuse against the coach, who worked with young athletes across multiple states.

Arrest and Charges

Sean Gardner, 38, was taken into custody by the FBI on Thursday, August 14, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa. He faces federal charges of producing child pornography after agents uncovered hundreds of illicit images of children on his personal devices.

Gardner’s booking photo was released by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, underscoring the seriousness of the case. Authorities noted that the arrest follows years of complaints and allegations of misconduct during his time as a youth gymnastics coach.

4 Signs Telling That Parasites Are Living Inside Your Body

4 signs telling that parasites are living inside your body...

August 21, 2025

3:48 am

Varicose veins will go away ! The easiest way!

varicose veins will go away ! the easiest way!...

August 21, 2025

4:09 am

I weighed 332 lbs, and now 109! My diet is very simple trick. 1/2 Cup Of This (Before Bed)

i weighed 332 lbs, and now 109! my diet is very simple trick. 1/2 cup of this (before bed)...

August 21, 2025

4:05 am

55-year-old woman with baby face. Here's her secret!

55-year-old woman with baby face. here's her secret!...

August 21, 2025

4:03 am

Who is Sean Gardner?

Gardner worked for nearly a decade in gymnastics programs across Iowa, Mississippi, and Louisiana, primarily coaching children. He is most prominently linked to Chow’s Gymnastics and Dance Institute in West Des Moines, a facility internationally recognized for training Olympic gold medalists Shawn Johnson and Gabby Douglas.

While at Chow’s and other gyms, Gardner allegedly used his position of trust to exploit young athletes. The FBI stated that he “primarily targeted children” during his coaching career, leaving a lasting impact on the communities where he worked.

Spark of Investigation: Gymnast’s Report in 2022

The case against Gardner gained momentum in March 2022, when a gymnast came forward to the U.S. Center for SafeSport, the independent watchdog that investigates sexual abuse within Olympic and Paralympic sports.

Doctor: Іf You Have Nail Fungus, Do This Immediately

doctor: Іf you have nail fungus, do this immediately...

August 21, 2025

4:04 am

Read This Immediately if You Have Moles or Skin Tags, It's Genius

read this immediately if you have moles or skin tags, it's genius...

August 21, 2025

4:01 am

Carry this with you and luck will find you.

carry this with you and luck will find you....

August 21, 2025

3:52 am

Hair grows 2 cm per day! Just do this

hair grows 2 cm per day! just do this...

August 21, 2025

4:14 am

SafeSport referred the matter to local authorities in West Des Moines, prompting a formal police investigation. This, in turn, led to an FBI inquiry that culminated in Gardner’s arrest this month.

History of Allegations

Gardner’s name had surfaced years earlier in connection with allegations of sexual abuse of gymnasts under his supervision. However, no criminal charges had been successfully pursued at the time. Advocates for athlete safety now say his case reflects the systemic failures that allowed him to continue working with children despite red flags.

Broader Implications for Youth Sports

The arrest has renewed concerns about athlete safety and accountability in youth sports, particularly gymnastics, which has faced multiple high-profile abuse scandals in recent years.

People From US Those With Knee And Hip Pain Should Read This!

people from us those with knee and hip pain should read this!...

August 21, 2025

4:03 am

This Simple Trick Removes All Parasites From Your Body!

this simple trick removes all parasites from your body!...

August 21, 2025

3:55 am

Varicose Veins Will Disappear in the Morning! Read!

varicose veins will disappear in the morning! read!...

August 21, 2025

3:54 am

My weight was 198 lbs, and now it’s 128 lbs! My diet is simple. 1/2 Cup Of This (Before Bed)

my weight was 198 lbs, and now it’s 128 lbs! my diet is simple. 1/2 cup of this (before bed)...

August 21, 2025

4:10 am

Gardner’s case adds to a troubling history of coaches exploiting their positions of power, raising questions about the adequacy of existing safeguards in athletic institutions.

What Happens Next

Gardner is expected to appear in federal court in Iowa in the coming weeks. If convicted, he faces decades in prison. Authorities have urged anyone with additional information about his conduct to come forward.

For now, the case stands as a reminder of the vulnerabilities young athletes face and the need for vigilant oversight to protect them.