Were You Coached by Former Gymnastics Coach Sean Gardner?
Sean Michael Gardner is a former gymnastics coach at renowned US gymnastics academy, Chow’s Gymnastics and Dance Institute, in West Des Moines, Iowa, who was accused of sexual assault by multiple young students.
Sean Gardner has been recently arrested and faces felony counts of child sexual exploitation and possession of child pornography involving multiple young athletes, including some students from the school, according to West Des Moines Police.
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Experiencing sexual abuse can be profoundly traumatic, often leaving victims feeling powerless. It encompasses acts such as grooming, privacy violations, harassment, or unwanted physical contact, and can result in enduring physical, psychological, and emotional harm. However, victims have the opportunity to pursue justice and hold perpetrators accountable for the damages caused, including both physical and emotional injuries.
If you or a loved one experienced an inappropriate encounter or abuse by former gymnastics coach Sean Michael Gardner, you may be eligible to file a claim.
Charges Against Sean Michael Gardner
Sean Michael Gardner, a 38-year-old former gymnastics coach, has been federally charged with producing child pornography after investigators found he had secretly recorded young girls. Authorities allege he used a hidden camera in a gym bathroom to capture explicit footage of children as young as six, with hundreds of files later uncovered on his personal devices. Federal prosecutors emphasize the seriousness of the crime, which carries a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison, underscoring the devastating harm inflicted on vulnerable victims.
The charges against Gardner follow years of troubling allegations from young athletes who reported sexual misconduct as early as 2022. Gymnasts described inappropriate touching, degrading remarks, and even secret recording, leading to his suspension by SafeSport. Despite these warnings, he remained in coaching roles until new reports in 2024 prompted law enforcement to reopen the investigation, giving survivors’ voices the weight they deserved.
Gardner’s arrest highlights not only the criminal charges he faces but also the institutional failures that allowed him continued access to athletes. Parents and coaches had voiced concerns years earlier, yet no criminal case was pursued until investigators obtained physical evidence of exploitation.
Why Choose Andreozzi + Foote for Your Sexual Abuse Claim?
At Andreozzi + Foote, our attorneys bring extensive experience in handling sexual abuse cases with a commitment to compassion and professionalism. We recognize how challenging it can be for survivors to come forward and are dedicated to fostering a supportive environment throughout every step of the legal process. Our legal guidance is tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, ensuring thoughtful and informed advocacy.
Our firm is deeply committed to protecting your rights and relentlessly pursuing justice on your behalf. Utilizing all available resources, we aim to provide the support you need so that you never have to face this journey alone.
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If you or someone you care about has experienced sexual abuse, reach out to us for compassionate assistance. We are here to listen, provide informed guidance, and advocate tirelessly on your behalf. Let us help you take the first steps toward justice and closure. Contact Andreozzi & Foote today to learn how we can support you.
The Strength to Overcome Sexual Abuse
Survivors of sexual abuse possess remarkable resilience in the face of challenges that can include emotional struggles like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as physical harm from non-consensual acts. In the most difficult cases, survivors may grapple with thoughts of self-harm, yet their courage in confronting these experiences is a testament to their strength.
Taking the step to come forward and seek justice is empowering. In criminal proceedings, the focus is on holding the perpetrator accountable and ensuring the safety of others. Survivors have the right to seek justice through skilled legal representation, working alongside prosecutors dedicated to pursuing accountability.
Feelings of guilt, shame, or difficulty trusting others are common after such experiences, but they do not define a survivor’s journey. Each survivor deserves the opportunity to heal, rebuild trust, and form meaningful connections. Justice and closure are not only possible but essential steps toward reclaiming power and building a future filled with hope and strength.
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Jason P. Amala is a nationally recognized trial attorney who has dedicated his career to helping survivors of childhood sexual abuse and people who have suffered life-changing injuries. Known for taking on some of the most powerful institutions in the country, Jason has represented hundreds of survivors in high-profile cases involving religious organizations, youth groups, government agencies, and corporate entities. His work has directly contributed to systemic change-including the shutdown of Backpage.com-and he continues to co-counsel with law firms across the U.S. when statute-of-limitations laws are reformed.
Recognized as a Super Lawyer for over a decade and rated AV Preeminent for ethics and legal skill, Jason combines deep legal experience with an unwavering commitment to justice. If you’re seeking an attorney who understands the complexity, sensitivity, and urgency of abuse and injury cases — and who gets results — Jason P. Amala is ready to stand with you.
His notable settlements include:
$12.1 million for survivors abused by a Seattle priest
$10.15 million for nine survivors abused by a Catholic priest
$5.57 million for 19 survivors abused in New Orleans
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