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Hi - I’m Jeff. I am a lawyer licensed to practice law in Indiana. Our attorneys fight every day for the rights of sexual abuse victims. My team and I are ready to help.
According to WTHR Channel 13, another student is accusing Kenneth Arnold, a former gymnastic coach at InterActive Academy located at 3795 US-421, Zionsville, IN 46077, of sexual assault.
Arnold, a 32-year-old former gymnastic coach, employed at InterActive Academy, was arrested on August 27, 2021. A fourth victim has charged the coach with sexual assault that took place between 2014 and 2016. The victim alleges that Arnold raped her on three different occasions inside the facility. He is accused of forcing her to perform sexual acts, holding her against her will, and even threatening her.
In 2016, Arnold was accused of sexual assault by three of his students, all under 12 years of age. The fourth victim was the same age during the time of the abuse. All four girls claimed that Arnold sexually abused them during their time at the InterActive Academy.
Arnold was given only six and a half years of probation after his ten-year prison sentence was suspended. He is considered to be a sexually violent predator and must register as a sex offender. Arnold had pleaded guilty to the former charges but is pleading not guilty to the current allegations. His bond was set at $50,000.
Our attorney contributor Jeff Gibson is an experienced sexual abuse attorney who has represented numerous victims of sexual assault in civil lawsuits. During an interview, we asked Jeff to share his knowledge of the rights of victims sexually abused by a gymnastics coach.
"Sports organizations, like gymnastics facilities, and their administration have a legal obligation to protect their students from harm, including sexual abuse. However, we have seen coaches and teachers charged too often for taking advantage of their children. Instances of sexual abuse occur when these predators use their positions of trust and power to abuse their students. Sports organizations are expected to provide adequate security measures. These can include conducting sufficient background checks and having security cameras throughout the facility. If these organizations fail to maintain a level of security, they could be considered liable in the event that sexual abuse takes place."
"Victims and their families could have grounds for a civil lawsuit if these organizations are found to be lacking. Victims should inquire if the sports facility took reasonable steps to prevent the abuse from taking place in the first place. Facilities can be held responsible if the abuse was foreseeable. A foreseeable crime can include if prior misconduct by a coach was reported, but ignored allowing it to happen again. At this point, victims should explore the services of an experienced sexual abuse attorney. If the victim's attorney is able to prove the sports organization was negligent, the victim and their family may even receive financial compensation."
