LAYTON, Utah, Jan. 13, 2021 (Gephardt Daily) — A Layton youth gymnastics teacher is facing charges including felony sexual exploitation of a minor.
A probable cause statement from the 2nd District Court of Davis County said Kelly Christian Brown, 31, was arrested Tuesday afternoon and is facing charges of:
- Sexual exploitation of a minor, a second-degree felony
- Unlawful sexual activity with a minor, a third-degree felony
- Two counts of dealing harmful materials to a minor, a third-degree felony
Layton City Police Department received a child abuse and neglect report from the Division of Child and Family Services Tuesday, the statement said.
The report indicated that a juvenile victim, who is now 17, disclosed to her family that she had allegedly been sexually abused multiple times over the last several years by her gymnastics coach, Brown. The alleged abuse occurred at North Davis Gymnastics located at 1052 West Hill Field Road in Layton.
The parents of the victim were contacted by Layton police, and reported that the victim had disclosed to them that Brown would often touch her inappropriately while helping her stretch at gymnastics practice, the statement said. This allegedly began when she was 15. Brown also gave the victim private lessons, and allegedly made inappropriate requests in that environment too.
A forensic interview was set up with the victim at the Children’s Justice Center in Farmington. During the interview, the victim disclosed “that she and Kelly often spoke in a sexual nature at gymnastics practice,” the statement said. She also alleged he touched her inappropriately while helping her stretch, and would ask her to remove her leotard.
The victim said the suspect would tell her “that he could not wait until she was 18 so they could have sex together. The victim also indicated that Kelly would tell her he wished they lived in Russia where sex with 16 year olds was legal.”
She also said she and Brown often exchanged text messages and explicit photographs of themselves.
Brown was arrested at the gym Tuesday and brought to Layton City Police Department for questioning. He was read his Miranda rights and agreed to speak with officers. “Kelly said that a few years ago, he had a drinking problem and knew that he had made some mistakes,” the statement said. “Kelly indicated he knew LCPD wanted to speak with him about a relationship he had with an underage female.”
Brown admitted to knowing the victim was 15 years old when he sent her explicit photographs. He denied ever touching her inappropriately, but acknowledged a drinking problem at the time.
“Based on Kelly’s position as a coach at the gym, he has frequent access to underage females and has shown a propensity for sexual attraction to them,” the statement said. “Kelly acknowledged his mistakes with the victim and denied having any other similar instances with any victims.”
Brown was transported to Davis County Jail, where he is being held without bail.
North Davis Gymnastics owner Kimberly Daniels issued the following statement:
“On Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021, North Davis Gymnastics coach Kelly Brown was arrested and accused of illegal sexual conduct with a student. Mr. Brown was immediately terminated and NDG is cooperating fully with the investigation against him.
“Prior to his arrest, North Davis Gymnastics had no knowledge of any malfeasance on the part of Mr. Brown. NDG does not allow coaches to engage in inappropriate contact or be alone with students, and was unaware Mr. Brown was violating not only these policies, but the law.
“We unequivocally condemn the despicable conduct of which Mr. Brown is accused, and applaud the courage of the gymnast who brought it to light.
“North Davis Gymnastics is committed every day to ensuring our athletes are safe, and to
developing a culture of safety and empowerment. We have and will continue to take specific and concrete steps to prevent future abuse by furthering our efforts to vigorously enforce the USA Gymnastics Safe Sport Policy and monitor all staff and student activity accordingly.
“Additionally, NDG has reported the arrest to USA Gymnastics per Safe Sport guidelines, which has now suspended Mr. Brown’s membership and forbidden all contact with USA Gymnastics member clubs, members, and events.
“Our continued thoughts and prayers are with the victim and her family. In the interest of
protecting their privacy, North Davis Gymnastics will not be making further statements at this time.”
