Gymnastics coach accused of sexual abuse in Georgia

In this 2012 file photo, a gymnast chalks her hands before competing during the semifinals of the NCAA women's gymnastics championships in Duluth, Ga.
In this 2012 file photo, a gymnast chalks her hands before competing during the semifinals of the NCAA women's gymnastics championships in Duluth, Ga.

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. (AP) - A suburban Chicago gymnastics coach is accused of sexually abusing two children with disabilities during a trip last spring to Georgia for a competition.

Forty-eight-year-old Patricia Hermann of Schaumberg is charged with three counts of sexual battery against a minor and one count of aggravated sexual battery in Cobb County, Georgia.

A Cook County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman says Hermann was arrested Saturday by Schaumburg police and booked Monday into the county jail, where she's being held without bond pending extradition to Georgia.

For years Hermann has coached and worked with children with disabilities as the founder and CEO of Elite Stars. The Schaumburg-based organization's website says it runs athletic training programs for people with developmental and physical disabilities.

It wasn't immediately clear if Hermann has an attorney.

Upcoming Events