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.
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.
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.
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.
