Ex-Youth Gymnastics Club Coach From Manchester Indicted On Sexual Assault Charges

FREEHOLD, NJ — A former youth gymnastics coach has been indicted on sexual assault charges in connection with allegations that he had sex with three of his gymnasts while they were juveniles, the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office said Monday.

Sasha C. Raught, 56, of Manchester Township, was indicted on one count of first-degree aggravated sexual assault and three counts of second-degree sexual assault, Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said.

Investigators learned Raught had entered into sexual relationships with three of his former athletes when they were each teenagers, Santiago said. The first two instances took place when he was employed at Shrewsbury Gymnastics during the early to mid-1990s, while the third instance took place in 2008, while he was employed at Jonas Gymnastics Academy in Marlboro, the prosecutor said.

Raught was arrested at his home in May 2023 and taken to the Monmouth County jail but later released to await trial.

Authorities are still urging anyone with information about Raught’s activities to call Detective Joseph Pahopin of the prosecutor's office toll-free at 800-533-7443.