Even though disgraced sports doctor Larry Nassar was sentenced to 40-175 years in prison, it appears as though the aftermath of the case is just beginning to take its effect. The #MeToo movement has shown how the bravery of survivors coming forward with their stories emboldens others to do the same. So it is tragic but not unprecedented, that former students at a Missouri gym have accused their coach of touching them inappropriately.
The coach in question, David Schneider, 41, has been charged with three felony counts of first-degree child molestation. According to court documents, Schneider allegedly touched girls inappropriately at the Kids in Motion gym where he volunteered between 2011 and 2014.
On January 9, one accuser told police that Schneider assaulted her while she performed a maneuver called “oversplits.” According to arrest documents, Schneider contends that any inappropriate touching was accidental, blaming it on the fact the girls were sweaty and his hands slipped, as it was a “wet environment.”
At least three more accusers have come forward since Schneider was arrested. Washington Detective Betsey Schulze says she cannot confirm or deny whether the publicity surrounding the Larry Nassar case had anything to do with the girls' decision to come forward.
Police Sgt. Steve Sitzes told The Daily Beast, “The first of the six victims to come forward told a teacher, who went to police, about three weeks ago, in the 14,000-town.”
