BOERNE, Texas — A Boerne gymnastics coach and camp counselor is behind bars, facing charges of indecency with a child.
Kendall County authorities arrested Michael Spiller, 74, on Nov. 18.
A victim told police Spiller sexually abused her during a summer camp called "Circus Arts for Kids" at The Boerne Gymnastic Center.
The facility's owner Monday told KENS 5 she's working with USA Gymnastics' watchdog SafeSport to ensure children are not in harms' way. She touted the buildings' layout, which allows parents to watch training sessions.
She also confirmed that Spiller is not a Gymnastic Center employee, but contracted as a camp counselor. Facebook posts indicate the 74-year-old served in a similar role at other Texas gyms, including in San Antonio.
Spiller often dressed as a clown to lead circus-themed sessions. He also held clinics for coaches.
Authorities said several females have accused Spiller of misconduct. The Kendall County District Attorney's office believe there are more victims including in Laguna Beach, California, Houston, Lucerne, Switzerland and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
"Reports of sexual assault and molestation begin in 2001 with the most recent report being made this year," a press release reads.
In June, SafeSport temporarily banned Spiller from contact with USA Gymnastics athletes and events. Spiller is one of six Texas gymnastics coaches formally sanctioned by SafeSport.
It's not clear how many victims have so far lodged allegations against Spiller.
Police said cooperation with the owner of Boerne gymnastics has been 'minimal'.
The Boerne Gymnastic Center released the following statement to families:
As you probably now know a former contracted coach, Mike Spiller, has been charged with indecency with a child. We are appalled and heartbroken at the knowledge that someone that we hired to work at BGC has a history of sexual misconduct that we were unaware of. We are learning of the current allegations at the same time as you. We did Federal Background checks multiple times on Mr. Spiller, each time he worked for us, and they all came back as clear. These are many news reports that have their own spin on the story and we would like to clear up some facts. First, I did file a report with Safe Sport in April and I have cooperated fully with the Boerne Police Department. Mr. Spiller has not been at BGC since the incident in April. He is banned from participating in any USAG sanctioned events or clubs. We are a USAG Member Club which means we follow all their Safe Sport policies and reporting requirements. All our employees, contract coaches and volunteers are required to be USAG members and follow the same requirements. You can go to https://usagym.org/pages/education/safesport/ or click on the link on our webpage www.boernegym.com to learn more about how we work with Safe Sport to protect your child. We are supporting the ongoing investigation and encourage anyone who has any information to report it to the Boerne Police Department at 830-249-8654. They are doing a thorough investigation, and we are providing any information they are requesting. Boerne Gymnastics Center will continue to be diligent in our vetting of anyone who has contact with your child while they are involved with us. We are an open-door facility and encourage parents to observe their child and report if they have any concerns. With all that being said, there are still opportunities for people like Mr. Spiller to slip through the cracks and we must be proactive to be protective of your most precious gift, your family. Please feel free to speak to me directly if you have any additional concerns or information.
If you are a victim or have information about this case, you are asked to call Boerne police at (830) 249-8645 even if the crime occurred outside of Kendall County --- regardless of when the crime occurred.
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