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Gymnastics Coach Arrested on Child Porn Charges: BSO

A gymnastics coach from Lauderdale Lakes has been arrested on child pornography and gun possession charges, according to authorities.

Detectives served a search warrant Friday morning at the home of Carl Joseph Lechner, 66, who works as a gymnastics coach for children in Palm Beach County.

According to the arrest affidavit, detectives recovered videos, "Depicting children under the age of 12 engaging in various sexual acts."

Lechner was arrested on seven counts of possession of child pornography, one count of compiling computer pornography, three counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.

Detectives said Lechner owned and operated TAG Gymnastic gyms in Weston from 1998 to 2010 and Davie from 1989 to 2000 and currently works as a coach at Cats Gymnastics-Children's Gymnastics and Fitness Center in Jupiter.

Investigators said Lechner admitted to using his computer to download software that allows users to transfer files. He also told detectives, "His interest in child pornography started when he used the programs to search for child pornography that depicted a child he was familiar with."

Anyone with related information about Lechner should call Crime Stoppers of Broward County at (954) 493-TIPS.

It's unknown whether Lechner has an attorney. He's being held without bond.

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