An Oregon youth cheer coach was arrested and charged with sexual abuse Friday, wrapping up a three-week investigation into allegations of sexual abuse at a local gym.
Police arrested Anthony Trenkler, 27, after luring him to a street corner in St. Helens, according to police. Statement from the St. Helens Police DepartmentDetectives then executed a search warrant and seized additional evidence, police said.
Police began investigating the cheer coach on Aug. 13 after receiving reports about Trenkler's conduct while working at Vault Elite in St. Helens, police said. After the investigation began, additional victims were identified, police said.
According to Vault Elite, they fired Trenkler in August after learning of the investigation. Gym's Facebook pageAnd parents were asked to attend a meeting on August 15 to express their concerns.
“Vault Elite has terminated this coach's contract, and we are fully cooperating with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of our athletes,” the gym said. “He will no longer be allowed in our gym and our athletes' safety is our top priority. Classes and camps have been canceled until further notice.”
Trenkler was initially charged with one count of sexual abuse and two counts of attempted sexual abuse, but was later charged with six counts of sexual abuse in addition to attempted sexual abuse, police said.
Police are concerned there may be further victims, and are asking anyone with information to come forward.
