In a small Missouri town, the shadow of sexual abuse allegations has loomed large, leading to significant repercussions for those involved. David Schneider, once a respected figure in the local sports community, was thrust into the spotlight following accusations of misconduct. His initial interview with the Washington Police Department took place on February 6, 2018. Shortly thereafter, USA Gymnastics placed him on its list of permanently banned former professional members, effectively barring him from coaching at USAG member gyms or meets.
This action coincided with the sentencing of Larry Nassar, a former USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University doctor, who received a prison term of 40 to 175 years. Nassar’s case, which involved his admission of guilt to multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct, underscored the vulnerability of young athletes under the guise of medical treatment. More about Nassar’s sentencing can be found here.
When Safeguards Fail
Once affiliated with USA Gymnastics, the Kids in Motion gym’s membership ended with its closure. Participation in USA Gymnastics-sanctioned events necessitates a coach or professional membership. Although coaches aren’t mandated to be USAG members, member clubs must not allow banned individuals to coach.
The federal Safe Sport Act of 2017 obligates adult members interacting with youth athletes to report suspected child abuse within 24 hours.
During Schneider’s trial, victims recounted years of inappropriate conduct, including unwarranted touching during stretches. This conduct ranged from outer clothing to more invasive actions. One of the victims, Hemeyer, shared, “Going on stand was hard,” highlighting the challenges faced during cross-examinations.
Before his involvement in gymnastics, Schneider contributed to the Four Rivers YMCA swim program and coached at Crosspoint Christian School. His trial faced delays, but by March 29, 2022, proceedings commenced, culminating in a conviction for multiple counts of child molestation.
Silence or Justice?
Danielle Schmidt, a coach at Kids in Motion, recounted her daughter’s discomfort with Schneider. Her daughter confided, “He touches me down there,” prompting Schmidt to report the incident to the gym owner, Hoemann. Despite Hoemann’s husband’s role as a state trooper, the incident wasn’t pursued, a decision influenced by statistics showing that many child sexual abuse cases don’t proceed to trial.
Schneider’s conviction is under appeal. The prosecutor, Bryan Mathews, remarked on the challenges of these cases, noting the scarcity of eyewitnesses.
‘No Zones’ and Caution
In response to Schmidt’s report, Hoemann issued a “Molestation Policy” memo, emphasizing positions to avoid and establishing “No zones” to prevent inappropriate contact. Despite the memo, Missouri law required Hoemann to report the abuse immediately, leading to her guilty plea for failure to report.
‘Not Set Up for Children’
Ella Kroeter’s early gymnastics experiences turned traumatic when Schneider allegedly abused her. When she finally disclosed the abuse, it led to a meeting with Hoemann that did not yield immediate action. Eventually, a school counselor reported the abuse, propelling the case forward.
Parents like Jennifer and Matt Kroeter grappled with the decision to involve their daughter in a trial, fearing the emotional toll. Lt. Steve Sitzes, a co-investigator, highlighted the enduring challenges faced by child witnesses.
The trial relied heavily on victim testimonies, with similar narratives from girls of various ages, underscoring the consistency of the accounts. “After going through the trial, I am thankful that I didn’t do it when (my daughter) was 8,” Schmidt reflected, recognizing the importance of collective testimony in securing justice.
