Former Carmel, Indiana swim coach John Goelz has been charged with child sexual exploitation and child pornography, according to reports.
Goelz was arrested earlier this month after authorities say an investigation uncovered evidence he was in an inappropriate relationship with one of his athletes. Goelz was a coach with the well-known Carmel Swim Club and a volunteer assistant with the Carmel High School swim team. U.S. Attorney Josh Minkler said that investigators obtained screenshots of text messages allegedly between Goelz and a female swimmer that indicate a sexual relationship. Goelz has been removed from his posts at both Carmel Swim Club and Carmel High School, and was banned permanently by the U.S. Center for SafeSport, which now governs investigations into coaching abuse and bans coaches throughout all Olympic sports. The ban itself is not a temporary or interim suspension, though the U.S. Center for SafeSport list does indicate that the ban is still subject to appeal.
Now, the local ABC affiliate reports that Goelz was charged on Thursday, July 12 and remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals. He had a detention hearing on July 10 and could now face a minimum of 15 years in prison if convicted, an assistant U.S. attorney says. The local NBC affiliate adds that the charges are “child sexual exploitation” and “possession of child pornography.”
Less than 1% of the coaches on The banned list are women. the likelihood that your child would be molested by a woman coach is much, MUCH smaller than a male coach.
Yeah apparently these guys make all other coaches look suspicious this is just great
When I coached swimming at a YMCA we had a policy that the pool deck was always open for parents to observe practices. At the time I was in my 20’s and I must admit I found that rule annoying, because we had our fair share of pushy parents, but now I understand how VERY important it was as a check to the control swimming coaches have over young athletes and the potential for abuse that exists in that coach-athlete relationship.
Mr Goelz, WTH is wrong with you? After fighting this kind of crap for years and we’ve made it crystal clear to everyone in this sport that this kind of behavior is never to be tolerated this happens. And you d this and filmed it! Disgusting and unforgivable.
This is getting really annoying at this point. It’s so sad how common it is for people in a position of authority to take advantage of young athletes in such a way. Not even sure what to think at this point. So sad.
It is more than annoying. That is the last word I would use to describe what’s happening
How can I make sure my kids are safe? Two of my kids are swimmers, as more and more stories like this one get out, I am asking myself whether it worth the risk.
Be open and honest with your kids, make sure they know what kind of behavior from a coach is not ok, and make sure they feel comfortable telling you if a coach crosses that line, and that they know they can always tell you without getting into trouble.
I coach middle school aged kids and all I can say is that you have to be cautious and watch your surroundings. Often times the coaches who act out in this way are somewhat good at hiding it but they will always do something or act a certain way that will give something away. There is always strange behavior.
Have your child swim for a woman coach.
women coaches are on the banned list too.
It doesn’t matter .. many female swimmers were molested by women coaches ! Sick sick world
Be present. Any time we send our kids out in the world they may find people like this. By being present I mean work to volunteer for their activities, chaperone the dance, go on a camping trip, field trip and such. Be on time to pick them up, and listen. Be a carpool driver. I learned a ton when I kept my mouth shut and drove. All the kids in my vehicle seemed to forget that I was there. I learned about a young girl who got pregnant, who had a party that got busted along with the more mundane things like who liked who. This was both boys and girls in my truck. When they get a driver’s license… Read more »