FT. LAUDERDALE, FL. -- A gymnastics coach is in jail today on charges he fondled a 10-year-old student.
Raymond Adams, 38, who lives west of Boca Raton, has coached at facilities throughout Broward and Palm Beach Counties and had previously been fired from some gyms over allegations of inappropriate behavior, investigators said.
Adams is being held without bond at the Broward County Jail on two counts of lewd and lascivious molestation, stemming from the 10-year-old's accusations.
"He touched her on her nipple," said Broward Sheriff's Detective Julie Bower. "He was blowing on her neck, just very inappropriate behavior."
The 10-year-old told investigators that the incident happened late last month at Bieger Gymnastics, 3000 Southwest 15th Street, in Deerfield Beach.
Bower said she traced Adam's employment history throughout the region, finding a pattern of complaints over his behavior with students, and also found that he had been arrested in the past on a sexual misconduct charge in another state.
"He's kind of been gym hopping," Bower said.
The 10-year-old came forward late last month. Bower said that from there she traced Adams' employment history and information from his prior arrest to gather evidence that Adams' contact with the 10-year-old did not appear accidental.
Bower said parents should talk to their children about speaking up about any uncomfortable situation involving another adult.
"Anything that makes them feel uncomfortable or weird, they need to tell somebody right away," Bower said.
Anyone with information about Adams is asked to contact their local police agency.
