Gymnastics Coach Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Girl
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LAUDERDALE LAKES (CBSMiami) – A Lauderdale Lakes gymnastics coach, accused having child porn on his computer, is facing new charges.
Carl Lechner, 66, went back before the judge Tuesday. Lechner is already accused of possessing child pornography—now he's accused of sexual assault on a person under 12.
The new allegations, according to the arrest report, happened between 1999 and 2003, when the female victim was between the ages of 3 and 7-years-old.
The victim, during an interview, told police Lechner sexually assaulted her approximately 10 times when she would visit his home to play with his children.
Lechner reportedly would tell the victim "let's play a game" and lock her in his downstairs bedroom. Lechner would reportedly tell her not to look up while she was being assaulted.
The victim told police that Lechner threatened to show her parents a photo he supposedly had of her in a red dress where you could see that "she had no underpants on" if she told anyone what was happening between them. The victim told police she believed Lechner because "it was common" for him to have a camera and that he often took photos.
Lechner reportedly owned and operated TAG Gymnastics School in Broward County for 21 years where he also coached.
Michael and Marissa Zoldan bought Lechner's business in 2008 and changed the name to TAG USA Gymnastics, moving the business to Weston.
"This is a heartbreaking story for anybody that's involved in children programs it just breaks your heart to hear that something like this could happen," Michael Zoldan said. He said Lechner wanted to continue coaching but he didn't allow it, saying the couple was just "uncomfortable with him and that's it."
"He didn't fit into the model of type of business that we wanted to grow and build," Marissa Zoldan added.
At the time of his child porn arrest, on July 31, he was working at Cat Gymnastics Children's Gymnastics and Fitness Center in Jupiter as a coach and mentor for children. He was arrested on seven counts of possession of child pornography, one count of compiling computer pornography, three counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.
Terry Howison is the owner Cats Gymnastics where Lechner worked as a coach.
"We're totally shocked," Howison told CBS4's Carey Codd at the time of his arrest. "It's totally out of character of what we've ever seen from him."
Lechner's son told CBS4's Joan Murray that he doesn't believe any of the allegations and is standing behind his father.
Lechner is also facing gun possession charges.
The judge ordered Lechner held without bond.
Anyone with any related information about Lechner should call BSO Det. Jennifer Montgomery at (954) 888-5239 or report anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers of Broward County at (954) 493-TIPS (8477) or online at www.browardcrimestoppers.org.
