A Lauderdale Lakes gymnastics coach already behind bars on child pornography and gun possession charges is now facing a charge of sexual battery on a child related to a 2004 case, authorities said Tuesday.
Carl Joseph Lechner, 66, was arrested last month after detectives recovered videos depicting children under 12 engaged in various sex acts, Broward Sheriff's Office officials said.
After his arrest, detectives became aware of the 2004 complaint. The victim, who is now 21, told detectives Lechner sexually battered her between 1999 and 2003 when she was between 3 and 7, BSO officials said.
The victim said Lechner had her play a game where she hid her face and kept her eyes closed while he battered her, officials said. The 2004 complaint didn't lead to charges until Monday.
Lechner remained behind bars Tuesday.
Detectives said Lechner owned and operated TAG Gymnastic gyms in Weston from 1998 to 2010 and Davie from 1989 to 2000 and recently worked as a coach at Cats Gymnastics-Children's Gymnastics and Fitness Center in Jupiter. Between 2006 and 2010, he also ran a youth summer camp for children ages 2 to 16 at the Lauderdale Isles Yacht & Tennis Club in Fort Lauderdale.
Anyone with related information about Lechner should call Crime Stoppers of Broward County at 954-493-TIPS.
