A Texas figure skating coach who is believed to have once trained Team USA’s Winter Olympics gold medalist Amber Glenn has been arrested on sexual assault charges.
Benjamin Shroats was arrested at his home on Wednesday following allegations of inappropriate relationships with two athletes.
The 47-year-old, who has been affiliated with the Dallas Figure Skating Club, is facing charges of indecency with a child and sexual assault.
Glenn, who is bisexual and pansexual and the first openly queer woman figure skater to compete for Team USA, won gold in the team event at this year’s Winter Olympics in Italy.
There is nothing to suggest Glenn is involved in any of the allegations against Shroats.
According to CBS Texas, officials opened an investigation on February 15 after a report was filed that alleged Shroats had inappropriate relationships with two of his skaters. One of those is alleged to have started when the athlete was a minor.
Benjamin Shroats, 47, is facing charges of indecency with a child and sexual assault
Shroats trained Amber Glenn, who won gold in the team event at this year’s Winter Olympics
The Dallas Figure Skating Club said in a statement: ‘We know news like this is upsetting, and we want our families to know we take concerns involving our members and the adult coaches who train them very seriously. The safety and welfare of children is our top priority.
‘It’s also important to clarify the Club’s role. Dallas Figure Skating Club does not hire, employ, or supervise coaches. All coaches who provide private lessons do so as independent coaches, and lesson arrangements are made directly between families and the coach. In addition, the Club does not own, operate, or manage any ice rinks.
‘We respect the investigative process and trust that the Allen Police Department is conducting a thorough investigation and also respect the privacy of those involved. If you have information that may be relevant, or if you have concerns about a child who may have been in contact with this coach, please contact the Allen Police Department directly for guidance and assistance.’
Records show Shroats is currently being held at the Collin County Detention Center and his bond has been set at $100,000 for each offense.
Glenn, who helped Team USA win gold in the team event earlier this month, is one of three American figure skating stars in Milan who have become known as the ‘Blade Angels.’
She broke down in tears on Tuesday after her botched routine left her sitting 13th in the women’s single skating event going into the free skating portion on Thursday.
Earlier this month, Glenn revealed she is taking a break from social media after receiving a ‘scary amount of hate’ for condemning Donald Trump over his treatment of the LGBTQ+ community.
