The FBI is encouraging victims to speak out about sexual abuse allegations against former gymnastics coaches

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – A former coach at a local gymnastics center is behind bars, accused of sexually abusing children.

According to Cabell County Prosecutor Jason Spears, the Cabell County Grand Jury has returned a multiple indictment against Lance C. Spencer, 55, of Huntington, charging him with multiple counts of sexual abuse by a custodian and multiple counts of sexual abuse by a custodian in a position of trust towards a child.

Former gymnastics coach charged with child sexual abuse

Cabell County Sheriff Chuck Zerkle said officials first learned of the sexual misconduct allegations in 2022 after a victim reported them to the US Center for SafeSport.

The US Center for SafeSport is a nonprofit organization that investigates and responds to allegations of abuse and misconduct.

“We encourage anyone concerned with athlete safety to take a look at the US Center for SafeSport’s Centralized Disciplinary Database (CDD), a unique public resource listing those banned from Olympic and Paralympic sports or have been excluded from it.” The CDD is a unique and important tool for parents, employers and those who screen volunteers for youth organizations. Abuse and misconduct in sport can be reported via our website,” said a spokesperson for SafeSport.

According to the indictment, the abuse involved at least three victims and occurred over several years, including 2003, 2004, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019 and 2021. The alleged incidents occurred at a home and at Bozhi’s Gym Nest, where Spencer a gymnastics coach worked.

Spencer was arrested early Wednesday morning following a joint investigation by the Cabell County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI.

Cabell County Sheriff Chuck Zerkle encourages anyone who may have been abused to come forward.

“You have to do some soul searching and know that if something isn’t done, it will continue,” Zerkle said.

Prosecutor Jason Spears said there is no statute of limitations in West Virginia for a crime like sexual abuse.

“The Sheriff’s Department, the FBI and the District Attorney’s Office are committed to protecting the public, and we will not stop until we do that,” Spears said.

The FBI has set up a hotline for potential victims to contact in connection with this case. Please call 1-800-CALL-FBI for assistance.

“In cases like this, sometimes the first person to come forward has the hardest time, but that might give someone else the courage to say, ‘Hey, you know what I’ve been in those shoes too’ and come forward. It will continue to be investigated until we know it is done and justice is served,” Spears said.

The FBI’s Pittsburgh Division is also asking anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Lance Spencer to provide their information a short online form. “Given the large number of possible victims, we ask for your patience as it may take some time before you are contacted by law enforcement,” the agency said.

Here is a QR code that will take you to this form:

WSAZ reached out to Bozhi’s Gym Nest for comment Wednesday afternoon and posted the following:

“We have no connection to the former employee. We separated from him when allegations from SafeSport first emerged. We distance ourselves from this and have cooperated fully with SafeSport and the investigation.”

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