DES MOINES, Iowa — Earlier this week, the FBI announced the arrest of a former coach at Chow’s Gymnastics & Dance Institute for the alleged sexual abuse of several young gymnasts.

Sean Gardner, 38, was charged with child pornography in federal court stemming from an investigation into Gardner allegedly secretly recording gymnasts undressing at a previous job in Mississippi. Gardner is also being accused of sexually assaulting several young gymnasts while employed as a coach at Chow’s.

On Wednesday, Chow’s shared a letter, obtained by WHO 13, with the parents and families of those enrolled at the gym, addressing Gardner’s arrest.

The letter states that when Gardner was hired in 2018, he passed a criminal background check through the USA Gymnastics Center for Safety Initiatives. In the letter, Chow’s goes on to say that several years after his hiring, the institute received a notice from the U.S. Center for SafeSport of temporary restrictions being placed on Gardner, which included that he was to have no one-on-one or unsupervised contact with athletes. Chow’s said that SafeSport did not disclose why the restrictions were being put in place, and that they were told the restrictions were precautionary and not a finding of misconduct.

According to the letter, after several increases to the restrictions placed on Gardner, culminating in his temporary suspension enacted by SafeSport, Chow’s terminated Gardner in July 2022. Chow’s said that when Gardner was terminated, there still had been no finding of misconduct.

“We want you to know that Chow’s Gymnastics acted immediately and responsibly at every step, and that our Athlete Protection Policies have long been clear, strict, and enforced,” the letter reads in part. “We also know that policies alone cannot ease the emotions you may be feeling in light of the news. Please know that your children’s safety, trust, and growth remain our absolute priority, and that protecting children requires all of us — coaches, parents, athletes, and staff — working together.”

You can read the full letter below: