CORAL SPRINGS, FLA. (WSVN) - Several female students at a gymnastics school in Coral Springs have accused a volunteer of inappropriately touching them.
Coral Springs Police arrested 52-year-old Leonardo Suarez-Alvarez, a volunteer at the Twins Gymnastics school along North University Drive, Thursday.
Officials said victims between 7 and 10 years old came forward and said Suarez-Alvarez inappropriately touched them, mostly on the upper part of the chest area.
According to police, Suarez-Alvarez is the brother of the gym’s owners, Maria Elena and Maria del Carmen Suarez.
Officials said a victim reported his actions to one of the sisters, who said she would talk to her brother.
However, Suarez-Alvarez did not stop.
A police report read in part, “[The victim] stated that Leonardo didn’t stop. [Victim] stated that this happened once or twice per week since summer vacation … She stated that she told Leonardo to stop but he would continue despite her protests.”
Monica Shelton said her daughter felt uncomfortable at the school, so she pulled her out.
“I’ve been dealing with them for years,” Shelton said. “I’m going to follow up with my baby. That’s the most I can say.”
Elizabeth Kirshner, a parent who wanted to check out the gym for her young daughter, said she is not surprised.
“We’ve seen this before,” Kirshner said. “It’s not surprising, sadly, only because anybody who isn’t living under a rock has heard of this exact problem even in national or global gymnastics.”
Kirshner changed her mind about enrolling her daughter at the school after hearing about the arrest.
Suarez-Alvarez is being held in jail with no bond.
“My children are like my best friend. They’re a blessing, and anybody who is out to hurt or even seem like they’re doing wrong by them, they have to answer to me,” said Shelton.
Police urge other possible victims to call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $3,000 reward.
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