Louisiana Gymnastics Coach Sentenced for Sexual Abuse of 13 Boys

Yesterday, former Kenner gymnastics coach Jonathan West was sentenced to 65 years in prison by 24th Judicial District Court Judge Stephen Enright.  The 27 year old guilty to 24 charges stemming from his sexual abuse of 13 boys from 2015 up until his arrest on May 31st of last year.  KNOE is reporting that the victims were between the ages of 8 and 15 years old.

West taught gymnastics and cheer in Metairie, Kenner and St. Charles Parish, and was so trusted among his students and their parents that he would even be allowed to drive some of them to and from the gym.  Reportedly, not only did some of the abuse happen during these rides - West told his victims that what he was doing to them would better at gymnastics.

West was sentenced to 137 years in prison, but the 6 separate sentences will run concurrently resulting in a total of 65 years.  Judge Enright also declared that if he was ever to be released, he would have to register as a sex offender and be electronically monitored for the rest of his life.