Grand Jury returns multiple indictments against former gymnastics coach

HUNTINGTON, Va. (WSAZ) – A former gymnastics coach went on trial Tuesday charged with 16 counts of child sexual abuse.

Lance C. Spencer, 55, of Huntington, is charged with multiple counts of sexual abuse by a caregiver and multiple counts of sexual abuse by a person in trust of a child.

In May, a Cabell County Grand Jury returned a complex indictment to Spencer.

According to the indictment, the harassment involved at least three victims and occurred over several years, including in 2003, 2004, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019 and 2021. The incidents allegedly occurred at the home and at Bozhi’s Gym Nest, where Spencer worked . as a gymnastics coach.

On Tuesday, Kerry Nessel, Spencer’s attorney, filed a motion to appoint co-counsel.

The State objected to the appointment of co-counsel because the case was not a major case and expressed concern about a conflict of interest with a potential witness.

The Honorable Paul T. Farrell granted the motion to add co-counsel to Spencer’s defense.

Spencer is scheduled to return to court on July 30 for a status hearing.

The FBI has launched a hotline for potential victims to contact in connection with this case. For assistance, call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

The FBI’s Pittsburgh Division is also asking anyone who believes they have been a victim of Lance Spencer to submit their information via a contact form. short online form. “Due to the number of potential victims, please be patient as it may take a long time for law enforcement to contact you,” the agency said.

Here is the QR code that will take you to this form:

The FBI’s Pittsburgh Division is also asking anyone who believes they have been a victim of Lance Spencer to submit their information.(Alyssa Hannahs | FBI)