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In a disturbing development, Charles Moore, the former coach of a cheer team in Barrow County, made his first court appearance on Wednesday afternoon. The 31-year-old is facing felony charges of sexual exploitation of children. According to Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith, the alleged victim is a 16-year-old girl whom Moore coached at the Star Athletics Gym located at 750 Tucker Rd, Winder, GA 30680.
During the search of Moore's home prior to his arrest on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, investigators found sexually explicit video and pictures on his phone, including a video showing him engaging in sexual activity with the 16-year-old victim in the parking lot of the gym.
Sheriff Smith stated that Moore had been "grooming these young children to sexually exploit them later on after they turned a certain age." The sheriff further claimed that Moore would provide the victims with alcohol and threaten them if they refused to send him sexually explicit pictures.
The investigation into Moore's alleged crimes began after he was arrested in May by the Loganville police on similar charges. "Our investigations began after Loganville made an arrest and he was out on bond and in the investigation, they advised us there may be victims in Barrow," said Sheriff Smith.
Sheriff Smith urged any other potential victims to come forward, assuring them that they would not be in trouble if they did so. He also stated that the gym had conducted a background check on Moore before hiring him, but nothing in his record had raised any concerns.
The gym has declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.
Despite being released on bond following his May arrest, a judge declined to set bond for Moore during his appearance in Barrow County Magistrate court on Wednesday. The alleged victim was present in the courtroom but did not make any statements.
Moore, who did not have an attorney present, told the judge that he would try to find legal representation.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and proper safeguarding measures to protect vulnerable individuals, especially in positions of trust. As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with information to come forward and assist in the pursuit of justice.
In the wake of a disturbing case involving a former cheer coach sexually exploiting a minor, we sat down with experienced child sex abuse attorney John Bey to discuss the legal options available to victims. Bey, who has extensive experience representing sexual abuse survivors in Georgia, explained the steps victims and their families can take to not only go after the abuser, but also hold any negligent organizations responsible for failing to protect young athletes under their care.
Editor Darla Medina: Thank you for joining us to discuss this disturbing case. As a child sex abuse attorney with experience in Georgia, what options do victims have in terms of seeking justice and holding the abuser and any negligent parties responsible?
Attorney John Bey: Well, Darla, this is a very serious and unfortunately all-too-common situation. Victims of sexual abuse by a cheer coach or any other authority figure have several legal avenues they can pursue. First and foremost, they can file a civil lawsuit against the abuser for the physical and emotional harm they've suffered. Depending on the circumstances, they may also be able to hold the cheer gym or organization accountable for negligence in hiring or supervising the coach.
Medina: Can you elaborate on that concept of holding negligent parties responsible? How does that work in a case like this?
Bey: Absolutely. Gyms, clubs, and other organizations that employ coaches have a duty of care to protect the young athletes under their charge. If they fail to properly vet coaches, ignore red flags, or don't have adequate safeguards in place, they can be liable for any subsequent abuse that occurs. In a case like this, where the sheriff stated the gym did a background check on the coach but found no issues, that may not be enough to absolve them of responsibility. They have an obligation to implement robust policies and training to prevent abuse.
Medina: So victims and their families have options beyond just going after the abuser themselves. What advice would you give to anyone who may have been affected by this coach or a similar situation?
Bey: My advice would be to not hesitate to come forward and explore your legal rights. Speak to an attorney experienced in child sexual abuse cases - they can evaluate the specifics of your situation and advise you on the best path forward, whether that's a civil lawsuit, working with law enforcement, or other remedies. The most important thing is to get the support and justice you deserve, and to hold all responsible parties accountable.
Medina: Thank you, for providing that valuable insight. It's critical that victims and their families know they have options and that there are attorneys like yourself ready to fight for them.
Bey: You're very welcome, Darla. Cases like this are difficult, but survivors deserve to have their voices heard and to seek the justice and compensation they're entitled to. I encourage anyone impacted to reach out for help.
For victims and families impacted by sexual abuse from a cheer coach or any other authority figure, it's critical to know that you have legal options and avenues for justice. With the right legal representation, survivors can pursue civil claims against the abuser as well as any organizations that failed in their duty to protect vulnerable young athletes. Don't hesitate to speak up and explore your rights - justice and healing are possible. Call today to learn more about your rights.
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