Gymnastics Coach Arrested On Child Porn Charges: Sheriff

LAKELAND, FL - A 21-year-old gymnastics coach was arrested on child porn charges, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Alexander M. Katchalov of Lakeland was taken into custody Tuesday after computer crimes detectives received a tip that he was uploading images and videos of child pornography online.

Katchalov was charged with 22 counts of possession of child pornography. A search warrant was executed on Tuesday at the Elite World Gymnastics training complex, 5350-5390 State Road 33 North in Lakeland. Katchalov's parents, Mikhail and Irina Katchalov, own the complex. The Katchalovs - parents and son - coach adults and kids, in some capacity, with the youngest being 3-years-old.

Alexander Katchalov told deputies that he never abused any of his students, deputies said.

Detectives seized electronic devices used by Alexander Katchalov, and located 21 videos and one image depicting boys and girls between the ages of 3 to 12 being sexually battered or displayed in a lewd manner, according to the sheriff's office.

Image via Shutterstock; Mugshot via Polk County Sheriff