Adam Richard Jacobs, Child Exploitation, Utah 2023

A Utah gymnastics coach has been arrested on child exploitation charges, according to federal authorities.

Adam Richard Jacobs, 33, of Woods Cross, Utah, was arrested last week by agents with Homeland Security Investigations, as stated in court documents.

The arrest came after an employee at USA Gymnastics World, where Jacobs is the owner and coach, discovered a hidden camera in a unisex restroom. The employee found the device and contacted police, leading to a subsequent law enforcement investigation.

During the investigation, authorities recovered approximately 120 video files of individuals, ranging in age from toddler to adult, using the restroom at USA Gymnastics World. The videos also depicted the lascivious display of children’s genitalia.

Additionally, about 40 videos showed Jacobs setting up cameras in his home and at USA Gymnastics World.

Jacobs is charged with transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, production of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.

He is scheduled to appear in court on April 14, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in Salt Lake City, Utah.

U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins made the announcement.

The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Woods Cross Police Department, the Utah Attorney General’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Kaysville Police Department, Clearfield Police Department, the United States Secret Service, and the Davis County Attorney’s Office.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Hollan and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol A. Dain prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.

Jacobs’ current status is pending.

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