Warning: This report contains disturbing and graphic details of a sexual nature
An Isanti, Minn., man and youth gymnastics coach has been charged after he allegedly performed lewd acts in front of minors at a Blaine park last week.
Charges say Blaine police were dispatched last Friday just before 5 p.m. to Carrara West Park at 1495 132nd Avenue NE on a report of a potential lewd display and sexual assault. Police met with a woman and her 12-year-old son, who told police he was sitting at a picnic table with his siblings when an adult male approached them and sat at the table. After conversing with the children, the male allegedly exposed his genitals from the leg hole of his shorts.
The male then grabbed a Cheeto-brand puffed cheese snack and asked the children if they would like to feed the animals, the criminal complaint states. The children said, “no,” at which point the male then rubbed his genitals with the puffed cheese snack food. The male then broke the Cheeto in half and set it on top of the picnic bench. He continued speaking with the children and invited the children to attend his class if they got permission from their parents. The male then walked toward Jam Hops Gymnastic Studio on the same block. The minor witness described the male as being older, heavy set, short, and wearing a t-shirt and shorts.
The suspect was subsequently identified as Kyle Anthony Pekula, 26, who officers located at the gymnastics studio. Pekula admitted to being at the park and speaking with children but denied exposing his genitals. Officers also collected Pekula’s clothing where officers noticed a small orange spot on the inside of Pekula’s boxer briefs.
Pekula has been charged in Anoka County District Court with one gross misdemeanor count of fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct involving masturbation or lewd exhibition in front of minors.
Pekula made his first court appearance on Monday and was denied a public defender. No attorney is yet listed for Pekula, who has since posted a $6,000 bond and has been released from custody. His next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 6.
Update: Brenda Nolby, president of Jam Hops, said Pekula has been terminated.
She said:
“On September 20, one of our employees, Kyle Pekula, was arrested by the Blaine Police Department on charges of criminal sexual conduct with minors in a public park. Kyle has been terminated and is barred from entering our facility or contacting our students.
Our kids and families are incredibly important to me. Safety is our most important responsibility. We are doing everything we can to help police with this investigation, and we immediately reported this situation to our safety governing body, SafeSport. They are also investigating.
We have many safety rules, procedures and training programs in place to protect our students. This includes background checks on all employees and background checks every two years for competitive coaches, which included Kyle.
This incident is deeply troubling. We know this has shaken trust and created concerns among parents and the community, and we are heartbroken this happened. Jam Hops was founded on a passion not only for gymnastics and dance, but also for inspiring kids to be life champions.
We are communicating regularly with parents, continuing to cooperate with law enforcement and working to implement further safety enhancements to ensure we are always creating a safe environment for our gymnasts.”
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Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.
Crime Watch MN
Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.
