Former U.S. Olympics gymnastic coach charged with child molestation

INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- A popular gymnastics coach who once ushered two gymnasts to the 2008 Olympics was arrested on child molestation charges.

Marvin Sharp, 48, remains in jail Tuesday after police searched his home and his facility, Sharp's Gymnastics Academy. He is facing four counts each of child molesting and sexual misconduct with a minor, all felonies.

Sharp, a USA Gymnastic 2010 Coach of the Year, coached Bridget Sloan and Samantha Peszek, who were on the U.S. silver medal team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

USA Gymnastics spokeswoman Leslie King said the organization is cooperating with police. "USA Gymnastics promotes a safe environment for its athletes and takes seriously any allegations regarding misconduct," the statement said.

Sharps opened his gymnastics academy in 2001, where children from preschool to elite levels practice. His long list of gymnastics accolades include being named the USA Gymnastics Elite National Coach of the Year. He also runs a photography studio, specializing in photos of children and sports.