Lakeland, FL – A disturbing discovery in a missing person case has brought new criminal charges against registered sex offender and former gymnastics coach Alexander Katchalov. The 28-year-old man was arrested after deputies found a woman—reported missing as an adult—living at his home in Lakeland, Florida.
The woman, now in her 20s, told investigators Katchalov had sexually abused her over the course of several years when she was a teenager, starting at age 13 and continuing until she was 15. She was a student at Elite World Gymnastics, the Lakeland gym once owned by Katchalov’s parents, where he formerly coached.
Accused Coach’s Admission Following Polygraph Exam
Katchalov initially denied the allegations when questioned by detectives. However, after undergoing a lie detector test, he admitted to engaging in sexual acts with the girl twice over a two-week period when she was 15.
Following the investigation, Katchalov was charged with two counts of lewd or lascivious battery on a victim aged 12 to 16. He also faces additional charges for violating the terms of his sex offender registration and his probation. Officials say he failed to report online platforms he used to communicate with the woman, including a gaming account and a messaging app.
Gymnastics Coach Has History of Child Pornography Conviction
This isn’t Katchalov’s first legal trouble involving children. In 2018, deputies uncovered a large collection of child pornography on his electronic devices. He was later convicted on 64 counts of possession and sentenced to five years in state prison. At the time, law enforcement found no indication that any local children or gymnastics students appeared in the material, though they launched further inquiries out of concern.
He was released early from custody in 2022, but under strict conditions. Authorities now say those conditions were violated through his unreported online activity and renewed contact with his former student.
Sheriff Urges Other Victims to Come Forward
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd warned that there may be more victims. “Given this former gymnastic coach’s deviant background, it is possible that there could be more victims out there,” Judd said. “If he has victimized anyone else, we want them to contact our detectives.”
The investigation remains ongoing. Attorney information for Katchalov was not listed in court records as of July 18. Elite World Gymnastics has not publicly responded to the charges.
Florida Attorney Explains Legal Options for Gymnastics Abuse Survivors
When disturbing reports emerge involving abuse by trusted figures like youth coaches, many survivors are left wondering what steps they can take. Following the arrest of former gymnastics coach Alexander Katchalov on charges tied to the sexual exploitation of a teenage student, there’s renewed attention on what legal protections exist for others who may have been harmed. In this interview, attorney Laurence Banville speaks with veteran Florida child sexual abuse lawyer Michael Haggard, who outlines what victims and their families can do, how the law applies in such cases, and what legal paths may be available even years after the abuse took place.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: With news of this arrest and new accusations surfacing, what legal options might be available to survivors who were abused years ago?
Michael Haggard, Esq.: Survivors in Florida have more legal avenues than ever before, especially since statute of limitations laws have been expanded in recent years. Even if the abuse happened many years ago, it’s possible to file a civil lawsuit for damages. Criminal charges are handled by the state, but civil claims can offer survivors both financial recovery and a measure of accountability.
Banville: What might a civil case look like for someone who was abused by a coach like Katchalov?
Haggard: In cases involving authority figures like coaches, there’s often a chance to bring claims not just against the individual, but also against any institutions that may have failed to act or protect the children—such as the gymnastics facility where he worked. Survivors may be able to argue that officials ignored signs or failed to conduct proper background checks.
Banville: And if a victim is uncertain about coming forward now?
Haggard: That’s common. These are deeply personal and painful experiences. But survivors should know they’re not alone. They can speak confidentially with legal professionals, counselors, or victim advocacy groups. Victims can take time to decide what action feels right for them—but knowing the law may still be on their side is an important start.
Take the First Step: Free Consultation Available Now
If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse by a gymnastics coach or similar authority figure, you don’t have to face this alone. Our team is ready to listen, guide, and fight for your rights—no matter when the abuse occurred. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation to explore your legal options and begin the path toward recovery and accountability.
Source
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/state/florida/article310942995.html
Mr. Banville is a personal injury attorney who has experience in handling auto accidents, work injuries, medical malpractice, dog bites, slip and falls, and representing survivors and victims of sexual abuse. Mr. Banville is affiliated with law firms in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, D.C., and Maryland. Abuse Guardian
