A Mesa gymnastics coach has been arrested after a 15-year-old boy told a teacher that the coach had performed sexual acts on him.
Nolan Knuckles was arrested Friday and charged with nine counts of sexual conduct with a minor and two counts of giving a minor marijuana.
The victim said the incidents occurred over several years, and none were at the Diamondback Gymnastics facility.
In a letter sent home to parents, Diamondback Gymnastics said they were "heartbroken and shocked" that one of the boys' team coaches had been detained. They also said they had terminated Knuckles' employment.
Diamondback Gymnastics in #Mesa confirms male coach arrested for sexual relat.... https://t.co/L0iNdwQinZ pic.twitter.com/Elv0K55m5H
— Kim Tobin (@KimABC15) March 30, 2016
No other victims have come forward.
Staff at Diamondback Gymnastics issued the following statement Wednesday night:
"We are heartbroken and shocked to inform you that one of our boys' team coaches has been detained as part of a criminal investigation being conducted by the Mesa Police Department.
We have exercised our right to terminate his at will employment. He is no longer affiliated with our gym and we will continue to cooperate with MPD in their investigation until this incident has reached conclusion and this individual has had his opportunity to be heard in court (if necessary).
The coach involved completed the screening and background check process with no issues, and always conducted himself professionally when at or representing Diamondback Gymnastics while he was a member of our staff.
We are fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of your children here at the gym, and due to the nature of the incident, we feel it is our responsibility to inform you of this investigation.
Feel free to email Debbie at gymnastics@dbgymclub.com to express your questions or concerns that you may have."
