Gymnastics Coach Says He Viewed Child Porn
Okopinski Can Only Have Supervised Contact With Children
Updated: 8:49 am CDT August 30,2006
MADISON, Wis. -- A Madison gymnastics school coach and owner admitted to viewing child pornography just after he was arrested for the alleged crime, he told the media.
VIDEO: Watch The ReportPatrick Okopinski, 37, made the admission on Tuesday afternoon after appearing on Dane County Court and then he bailed himself out of jail.As he walked out, Okopinsk told reporters gathered at the Dane County Public Safety Building that he did view child porn, but said that it was mainly at times when children weren't around."I ... (really) regret this," Okopinsk said. "I'm embarrassed and disappointed in myself. And I feel horrible."When asked why he viewed the illegal Web sites, Okopinski said that he didn't have an answer."I don't know," he said. "(I was) just curious. I don't know."Okopinski now faces 26 counts of possession of child pornography.Madison police said that Okopinski operates All-Star Gymnastics, a school with enrollment of 600. He was allegedly viewing child pornography on two computers at his East Side gymnastics facility.Okopinski said that there's no cause for concern for any of his students."Things are safe," he said. "I never meant any harm. I never harmed anybody. Things are very safe there."Some parents whose children were coached by Okopinski said that they are sickened by his arrest. Tonya Faust Ziegler, whose daughter was one of his students, said that she was shocked."I am absolutely, absolutely sickened from this," Faust Ziegler said. "I just cannot believe that this is the Patrick that my daughter has studied with for the past three-some years."Faust Ziegler said that she's infuriated."He's betrayed every single one of our children, not only in the gym but in the community," she said.Okopinski said that he viewed the porn when children weren't at the facility, but police said that he admitted looking at child porn while children were having a birthday party there.The complaint also said that Okopinski bought software called Evidence Eliminator to remove any clues that he'd accessed questionable Web sites.Okopinski will be allowed to continue the gymnastics business, but his bail conditions said that he can only have supervised contact with children.However, he said that he doesn't know if it's realistic to continue his business."This sport is all I have," he said. "And unfortunately, I don't think that I can under the conditions, and I don't think I could gain the trust of parents again. I've been in this sport for 30 years and I don't know what I'm going to do."If he's convicted on all 26 counts, Okopinski will face more than 90 years in prison.Authorities said that the case against Okopinski developed when one of his coaches, 33-year-old Jan Nohavica, was accused of sexual assault by one of his former gymnastic students. Police said that investigation lead them to Okopinski.As a result of the assault charges, Nohavica is forbidden from having contact with children.
VIDEO: Watch The ReportPatrick Okopinski, 37, made the admission on Tuesday afternoon after appearing on Dane County Court and then he bailed himself out of jail.As he walked out, Okopinsk told reporters gathered at the Dane County Public Safety Building that he did view child porn, but said that it was mainly at times when children weren't around."I ... (really) regret this," Okopinsk said. "I'm embarrassed and disappointed in myself. And I feel horrible."When asked why he viewed the illegal Web sites, Okopinski said that he didn't have an answer."I don't know," he said. "(I was) just curious. I don't know."Okopinski now faces 26 counts of possession of child pornography.Madison police said that Okopinski operates All-Star Gymnastics, a school with enrollment of 600. He was allegedly viewing child pornography on two computers at his East Side gymnastics facility.Okopinski said that there's no cause for concern for any of his students."Things are safe," he said. "I never meant any harm. I never harmed anybody. Things are very safe there."Some parents whose children were coached by Okopinski said that they are sickened by his arrest. Tonya Faust Ziegler, whose daughter was one of his students, said that she was shocked."I am absolutely, absolutely sickened from this," Faust Ziegler said. "I just cannot believe that this is the Patrick that my daughter has studied with for the past three-some years."Faust Ziegler said that she's infuriated."He's betrayed every single one of our children, not only in the gym but in the community," she said.Okopinski said that he viewed the porn when children weren't at the facility, but police said that he admitted looking at child porn while children were having a birthday party there.The complaint also said that Okopinski bought software called Evidence Eliminator to remove any clues that he'd accessed questionable Web sites.Okopinski will be allowed to continue the gymnastics business, but his bail conditions said that he can only have supervised contact with children.However, he said that he doesn't know if it's realistic to continue his business."This sport is all I have," he said. "And unfortunately, I don't think that I can under the conditions, and I don't think I could gain the trust of parents again. I've been in this sport for 30 years and I don't know what I'm going to do."If he's convicted on all 26 counts, Okopinski will face more than 90 years in prison.Authorities said that the case against Okopinski developed when one of his coaches, 33-year-old Jan Nohavica, was accused of sexual assault by one of his former gymnastic students. Police said that investigation lead them to Okopinski.As a result of the assault charges, Nohavica is forbidden from having contact with children.Parents React To News
Tuesday night was supposed to be the first day of fall classes at All-Star Gymnastics, but the excitement quickly faded as families arrived and noticed the signs on the door saying classes were canceled until further notice.Most parents were confused at first, wondering what had happened. Some even peeked in the windows for answers, WISC-TV reported.After WISC-TV informed families the gym was closed due to criminal charges filed against its owner, they were visually and verbally shocked."I'm very disgusted and very let down. My daughter was taking gymnastics and tonight was the first night. I don't think we'll be coming here this fall," said Carol McGowan of Waunakee whose three girls took lessons last year."I'm happy he was caught because both my girls were coming here. There was a lot of hugging and you'd think that was normal but it makes me sick to think about," said Kristie Cords of Waunakee.It is uncertain when All-Star Gymnastics will reopen. Right now, it is closed indefinitely.As for parents who have already paid for fall classes, Okopinski told WISC-TV that if he has to refund their money, he will.Just how or when that will take place isn't known, WISC-TV reported.Copyright 2006 by Channel 3000. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
