A federal judge on Wednesday sentenced Sean Gardner, a former youth gymnastics coach, to 90 years in prison for secretly recording young female students undressing and using the bathroom at a Mississippi gym. Gardner, 39, pleaded guilty to three federal charges of child pornography production, each carrying a maximum 30-year sentence, which the judge ordered to be served consecutively.
The case emerged from an FBI investigation last summer, which uncovered evidence that Gardner had placed a hidden camera in a bathroom at a gymnastics studio in Purvis, Mississippi, between December 2017 and April 2018. Investigators recovered approximately 50 videos and 400 photos from Gardner’s computers and residence, including close-up images of at least 10 minors naked or undressing. According to court documents, Gardner was seen turning off the camera in one of the videos.
The sentencing follows a broader scrutiny of gymnastics programs in the U.S., where past cases of abuse have prompted reforms. Gardner was not charged in connection with allegations of sexual abuse in Iowa, where he previously coached at Chow’s Gymnastics and Dance Institute. Police in Iowa stated they would await the conclusion of the federal case before determining further action. Several former students have filed civil lawsuits and made allegations to law enforcement regarding Gardner’s conduct during his time in Iowa.
Gardner’s arrest and conviction add to a series of high-profile cases involving the mishandling of athlete safety in gymnastics. The most notable prior case involved Larry Nassar, the former U.S. Gymnastics doctor who was convicted of sexually assaulting at least 265 young women and girls over a 22-year period, including Olympic athletes. The Nassar case led to widespread reforms within U.S. Gymnastics and increased oversight of coaching practices nationwide.
Federal officials emphasized the severity of Gardner’s actions, noting that the recordings violated the privacy and safety of minors. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi confirmed that the maximum sentence reflected the gravity of the offenses and the harm caused to the victims. Gardner’s legal team has not publicly commented on the sentencing or indicated plans for an appeal.
The case underscores ongoing concerns about safeguarding young athletes in competitive sports, particularly in environments where coaches hold significant influence over participants. Authorities have urged other gymnastics facilities to review their protocols for monitoring and reporting misconduct.