Butler Co. Gymnastics Coach Facing Sexual Assault Charges
SARVER (KDKA) – A Butler County gymnastics coach is facing sexual assault charges.
Keith Callen, 45, of Sarver, faces charges of aggravated indecent assault, sexual assault and unlawful contact with a minor.
State police say Callen coached the girl at three different gyms, and at times, she had private lessons with him. He's accused of having sexual contact with her between 2013 and 2015.
The teenage girl said she was 12 when Callen began coaching her at Jewart's Gymnasium in Hampton Township. She said she began private lessons with him in 2010.
There were no reports of inappropriate activity at Jewart's.
According to the criminal complaint, the girl said Callen gave her a diamond heart necklace in 2012, which her mother found and gave back to Callen because it was inappropriate.
"Anytime an adult is giving gifts to children whether it's high value or not, the parents should question the children for details about the relationship," said Trooper Ron Keston, of Pennsylvania State Police.
The teen said she also took private lessons with Callen at Trinity Gymnastics in Gibsonia.
Authorities say the victim told them that in July 2013, at Trinity, Callen alleged performed an sexual act on her while stretching her out on the vault table. She says it happened on more than one occasion.
"I know there was touching involved and things like that," said Trooper Keston.
The teen said she left Trinity Gymnastics, and followed Callen to Elite Athletic Center in Butler County in 2013 where the alleged sexual acts continued.
She said in December 2013, Callen gave her another gift, a ring.
In the criminal complaint, the teenager told investigators she would meet Callen in Butler County and the two would allegedly have sexual encounters in his jeep. This happened when she was 16 and 17.
Callen's preliminary hearing is scheduled for next month.
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