Marvin Sharp charged with Child Molesting, Sexual Misconduct with a Minor and Possession of Child Pornography

(Indianapolis, Ind.) – Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry and United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced today the filing of formal charges against Marvin Sharp for child molestation and possession of child pornography. Sharp has been charged with four counts of Child Molesting (two C Felonies and two Level 4 Felonies) and three counts of Sexual Misconduct with a Minor (Level 5 Felonies) by the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office for allegations of inappropriate behavior with a young woman while acting as her gymnastics coach. Sharp has also been charged with knowing receipt of child pornography and knowing possession of child pornography by the United States Attorney’s Office.

“It is a parent’s worst nightmare that someone whom we entrust with care and guidance of our children -whether a coach, teacher, or otherwise - would abuse that trust and harm our children.  Anyone who would harm our children in those circumstances, as we have alleged here, will be held fully accountable for their crimes,” Prosecutor Curry stated.

“Protecting our children has been and will remain a top priority in this office,” said Minkler. “Those who prey on the vulnerable, who cannot protect themselves, can count on the full wrath of state and federal prosecution.”

According to the probable cause affidavit filed in Marion County Superior Court, Sharp is accused of taking inappropriate photographs and inappropriately touching a young woman on many occasions while he was her gymnastics coach. According to the young woman, Sharp frequently told her not to tell her parents about photo-shoots and physical therapy sessions where the inappropriate touching occurred. The alleged acts took place at the defendant’s place of business, Sharp’s Gymnastics Academy, in Indianapolis as well as during an out-of-state trip that the victim and Sharp took together as competitor and coach for a gymnastics event.

Child pornography files were allegedly discovered on computers belonging to Sharp as a result of digital and forensic evidence seized during the execution of search warrants on Sharp’s home and Sharp’s Gymnastics Academy. According to the criminal complaint filed in U. S. District Court, thousands of sexually explicit images of minors were found in a safe in his home as well as images in a file cabinet at his gymnasium. The images displayed minor boys and girls in sexually explicit poses.

Anyone with information concerning additional potential victims is encouraged to call and report to 1-877-ISP-1TIP (1-877-477-1847). Messages left at this hotline will be directed to investigating officers.

A charge of a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

NOTE: The state charging information and probable cause affidavit, federal complaint, and mug shot of Marvin Sharp are attached.