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An Altoona gym owner is facing criminal charges for allegedly inappropriately touching underage girl.
Christopher Roberts, 32, of Altoona, Pennsylvania was arrested for multiple charges related allegations of inappropriately touching a 10-year-old girl approximately 5 to 6 times, including while she was sleeping.
The victim’s mother, who lived with Roberts, reportedly witnessed Roberts assaulting the girl on one occasion. The woman claimed that she was in a room on the second floor of her home when she saw the reflection of Roberts in a glass door, standing down the hallway of the girl’s bedroom. Allegedly, the woman saw Roberts lift her pajamas and begin touching her inappropriately under her clothing while the girl was sleeping in her bed.
The woman immediately confronted Roberts, woke the girl, and left the home.
Christopher Roberts is the owner of a gymnastics center in Altoona, PA
Roberts is reportedly the owner of a local gymnastics center, 4 Seasons Gymnastics in Altoona. Police later spoke to Roberts at his business where they asked him to come to the station for questioning. Roberts allegedly admitted to touching the girl 5 or 6 other times over the course of a month. He claimed that his “curiosity got the best of him” and that he had been “struggling with temptation for some time.”
Roberts was charged with 5 counts each of indecent assault, unlawful contact with a minor, and corruption of minors. He was arraigned and released on $75,000.00 supervised bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 12.
The Altoona Police Department is asking the public, if they have any information or concerns, to contact the Altoona Police Department, specifically Detective Strobel.
Christopher Roberts took advantage of his position of power
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for adults in positions of power and trust to take advantage of their position to abuse children, like Roberts is alleged to have done in this case. Cases of sexual abuse of children while under the care of adults both within and outside of their homes, such as in youth athletic programs, have not only resulted in criminal convictions as in this case, but also in civil judgments.
It is important that victims receive justice and that those who are responsible for the abuse are held accountable.
Andreozzi + Foote is one of the nation’s leading firms in representing survivors of sexual abuse against large and powerful institutions. The institutions are expected to follow their own policies and procedures to keep children safe from harm. The firm of Andreozzi + Foote has handled many cases against youth sports organizations, governmental agencies, foster care agencies, daycares, schools and school districts, churches, and camps for their part in sexual abuse and exploitation of minors.
If you or a loved one was the victim of sexual abuse or exploitation, including those who were abused by an adult with a position of power within their organizations and communities, please reach out to us for a free consultation at 866-311-8640.
