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US Gymnastics Coach Guilty of Child Exploitation, 50 Videos Seized

5/12/2026

46 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

U.S. coach Sean Gardner pleaded guilty to three child-exploitation counts in Mississippi on May 11, 2026, facing up to 30 years each, sentencing in October.
Authorities seized 50 videos and 400 photos of girls aged 6-14 recorded in a Purvis bathroom in 2017-2018.
The FBI arrested Gardner in August 2025 after searching his Iowa apartment.
SafeSport suspended Gardner after a 2022 report, USA Gymnastics ignoring a January 2018 grooming email.

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Story summary

U.S. coach Sean Gardner pleaded guilty to three child-exploitation counts in Mississippi on May 11, 2026, facing up to 30 years each, sentencing in October.
Authorities seized 50 videos and 400 photos of girls aged 6-14 recorded in a Purvis bathroom in 2017-2018.
The FBI arrested Gardner in August 2025 after searching his Iowa apartment.
SafeSport suspended Gardner after a 2022 report, USA Gymnastics ignoring a January 2018 grooming email.