Mississippi Gymnastics Coach Sean Gardner Sentenced to 90 Years for Secretly Filming Minors
Sean Gardner, a former youth gymnastics coach, was sentenced to 90 years in federal prison for secretly recording young female students undressing and using the bathroom. Judge Kristi Johnson imposed the maximum sentence for three counts of child pornography production, effectively a life sentence for the 39-year-old. The case highlights systemic failures in protecting athletes within U.S. gymnastics, as Gardner had previously faced allegations of sexual abuse in Iowa but was not charged in those cases. Evidence recovered from his computers included approximately 50 videos and 400 photos of at least 10 minors. The sentencing follows a period of scrutiny regarding the response of oversight bodies like USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Center for SafeSport to earlier reports of Gardner's inappropriate behavior.