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Taniya Colson, a 24-year-old gymnastics coach, appeared before a judge Tuesday morning after being charged with felony sexual battery on a child under 12, according to WCTV. During the hearing, the court ordered Colson to remain in custody without bond and prohibited her from contacting the victim or returning to the Trousdell Gymnastics Center, located at 326 John Knox Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32303, where she had been employed for six years.
The City of Tallahassee took swift action, notifying parents of the arrest through an email sent Monday afternoon. The message confirmed Colson’s dismissal from her position as a part-time coach. In the aftermath of the announcement, Ashely Edwards, director of Tallahassee Parks and Recreation, revealed that her department has been inundated with phone calls from parents expressing concern.
“Parents are understandably concerned and upset, we are too,” Edwards said Tuesday. “We have been working diligently to communicate with them and to answer any questions that they may have.”
The timeline and specific location of the alleged incident remain unclear, and further details have not yet been released by authorities. Arrest records providing additional information have not been made available on the Leon Clerk of Courts website, and city officials have declined to comment further, citing the ongoing investigation.
Edwards emphasized that the Trousdell Gymnastics Center is committed to safeguarding its participants through strict policies and adherence to USA Gymnastics Safe Sport guidelines. These measures, she explained, are designed to create a safe environment for children involved in both recreational and competitive gymnastics programs.
“We never allow coaches to be alone in the facility with kids, there must always be two coaches present,” Edwards stated. “We encourage parents to stay at the facility during workouts, trainings, and classes. We have conversations constantly with our staff about not having social media interactions with participants, not having any interactions with them outside the gymnastics center, outside the program.”
Edwards underscored the importance of maintaining a secure space for children. “The safety and wellbeing of the participants in our programs is absolutely always the most important thing to us,” she said.
As the investigation continues, parents and the broader community are left waiting for answers, with many grappling with the unsettling allegations tied to an individual entrusted with their children’s training and care.
Amid allegations of sexual abuse involving a gymnastics coach in Tallahassee, many families are left grappling with uncertainty about their next steps. To provide clarity, attorney Mike Haggard, a Florida-based legal expert on sexual abuse cases, discusses the legal measures available to those affected. From holding perpetrators accountable to addressing organizational negligence, Haggard breaks down the pathways survivors and their families can take to seek justice and regain a sense of safety.
Editor Darla Medina: What options do survivors and their families have if they’ve experienced abuse in a situation like this?
Attorney Mike Haggard: Survivors and their families have both criminal and civil paths they can take. The criminal justice system focuses on holding the perpetrator accountable under the law, as we’re seeing with these felony charges. But families should also consider civil claims, which can hold organizations or employers accountable if there was any negligence, such as failing to properly supervise staff or implement safeguards.
Medina: What kind of safeguards would a court look at to determine negligence?
Haggard: Courts look at whether the organization had policies in place to protect children—like background checks, having multiple staff members present at all times, and limits on staff interactions outside of the program. If these measures weren’t enforced or weren’t sufficient, it could open the door to liability.
Medina: How can survivors begin the process of seeking justice through a civil claim?
Haggard: The first step is reaching out to a sexual abuse attorney experienced in these kinds of cases. We work to investigate whether the abuse could have been prevented and whether there were systemic failures. Families often feel overwhelmed, but having an advocate who understands the process can provide some clarity and help them regain a sense of control.
Medina: Are there any specific challenges survivors face in cases involving youth sports?
Haggard: Absolutely. Survivors often feel immense pressure to stay silent, especially in close-knit communities like youth sports. They may worry about retaliation or the stigma attached to speaking out. That’s why it’s so important to create an environment where survivors feel supported and safe to come forward.
If your family has been impacted by sexual abuse involving a gymnastics coach, you don’t have to face this alone. Understanding your legal rights and options is an important part of the healing process. Our team is committed to supporting survivors and their families every step of the way. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation to discuss how we can help you seek accountability and justice.
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