Gymnastics Coach In Child-Exploitation Case Faces Plea Change Hearing
Sean Gardner is due in federal court in Mississippi on Monday, May 11, 2026, for a change-of-plea hearing on 12 counts of sexual exploitation of children.[1]
Federal investigators say Gardner hid a camera in a girls' bathroom at a Purvis, Mississippi, gym in 2017 and 2018.[1] An FBI affidavit cited about 50 videos and roughly 400 photos that agents seized from Gardner's home.[1]
A CBS News probe found a mother warned USA Gymnastics about Gardner's conduct in 2018.[1] Despite that warning, Gardner later worked at Chow's Gymnastics & Dance in Iowa, where lawsuits filed by former gymnasts allege he abused at least five more children.[1]
The hearing marks the next step in a case that has drawn attention from victims and advocates.
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📌 Key Facts
- On Monday, May 11, 2026, Sean Gardner is due in federal court in Mississippi for a change-of-plea hearing on 12 counts of sexual exploitation of children.
- Investigators say Gardner hid a camera in a girls’ bathroom at a Purvis, Mississippi, gym in 2017-2018, and an FBI affidavit cites about 50 videos and 400 photos seized from his home.
- A CBS News probe found a mother warned USA Gymnastics about Gardner’s conduct in 2018, yet he later worked at Chow's Gymnastics & Dance in Iowa, where lawsuits allege he abused at least five more gymnasts.
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