BOULDER, Colo — A former elite swim coach who abruptly quit in 2002 when confronted by parents about possible sexual abuse was convicted Tuesday in Boulder County on multiple counts after three victims came forward in 2022.
Jon Beber worked as a swim coach for the club team Boulder Swimming from 1997 through early 2002, according to the district attorney's office.
While coaching, he had inappropriate sexual contact with multiple underage swimmers on that elite swim team, prosecutors said. He quit the team and left Colorado in 2002 after parents confronted him about suspected abuse.
No reports were made to law enforcement. Beber also coached swim teams in Albany, New York, Florida, and Atlanta - which is where he was arrested in 2022 on the Colorado charges.
At that time, prosecutors filed charges against Beber related to the abuse of three swimmers who were on the team between 1997 and 2001. On Tuesday, the jury convicted Beber on the following counts:
- Two counts sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust – pattern of abuse
- One count of sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust
“This defendant sexually abused swimmers whom he coached. Despite the passage of time, and because of the courage and strength of the victims, the defendant is being held responsible for the abuse and trauma he inflicted upon them," said District Attorney Michael Dougherty. "Our office was honored to fight for justice for these victims. We appreciate the service and hard work of the jurors.”
Following the verdict, Beber's bond was revoked and he was remanded into custody to await sentencing which is set for July 19.
The DA's office encourages victims to report sex abuse to law enforcement or reach out to a local victim advocacy organization for help. Boulder County residents can call MESA at 303-443-7300. Those who have been the victim of abuse in the sports setting are urged to make a report to SafeSport at https://uscenterforsafesport.org/report-aconcern/.
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