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A skating instructor who formerly coached US Olympic champion Amber Glenn is facing accusations related to sexual misconduct with two of his trainees.
Benjamin Shroats, aged 47, has been formally charged with sexual assault and indecency involving a child following allegations from two individuals, as stated by the Allen Police to Oxygen.
According to the police, “The investigation was initiated on February 15, following a report that Shroats had inappropriate relationships with two athletes, one of whom reportedly was a minor at the time.”
Authorities apprehended Shroats at his residence on February 18. However, they have not disclosed additional information regarding the claims to Oxygen.
Shroats’ legal representative, Scott Edgett, has publicly refuted the accusations against him.
“For the past 30 years, Mr. Shroats has been a well-respected figure skating coach/instructor in the local DFW community,” Edgett told NBC News. “Out of respect for the judicial process and potential future jurors, we will not be litigating this matter through media commentary.”
Oxygen reached out to Edgett, but did not receive an immediate reply.
Shroats—who once competed as a pairs skater—became a member of Glenn’s coaching team when she was 9 years old, giving her harness lessons to perfect her double axel before becoming a full-time member of the team.
“He’s like my rink dad or big brother, making sure I stay on track,” she told Figure Skaters Online in 2014. “While he can be relaxed and chilled, he can also turn up the heat when needed. I can completely rely on him to be organized and consistent.”
Glenn is currently being coached by Damon Allen and Tammy Gambill. It’s unclear when Shroats left her coaching team.
Shroats has been active member of the Collins County skating community for more than a decade, serving as a member of the Dallas Figure Skating Club.
The club’s president Mary Pottenger sent a message, obtained by KXAS-TV, to others in club following Shroats’ arrest.
“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,” she wrote. “The safety and welfare of children is our top priority.”
She went on to clarify that the Dallas Figure Skating Club “does not hire, employ or supervise coaches” and each works as an independent coach working directly with the families they serve.
“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,” Pottenger continued. “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.”
Shroats is currently being held on $200,000 bond at the Collin County Detention Center.