Trial News

Keith Callen was a gymnastics coach at Jewart’s Gymnastics, where he provided lessons to Doe, 12. Elaine Jewart allegedly suspected that Callen had violated the gym’s policy forbidding coaches from having personal relationships with young kids. She fired Callen but did not notify parents of her suspicions.

Doe then began taking lessons at Trinity Gymnastics from Callen. A parent reportedly witnessed Callen touch Doe’s vagina as he was supposedly stretching her and notified Trinity’s owner of her observations. The gym later fired Callen but did not tell Doe’s parents that their daughter had been touched inappropriately.

Doe resumed her gymnastics lessons with Callen at Elite Athletic Center. On five to 10 occasions, Callen allegedly touched Doe inappropriately at the gym—including kissing her on the lips—in the presence of the owner, other coaches, and parents.

Doe sued Trinity Gymnastics, Inc., among others, alleging that the defendant failed to protect her from Callen’s sexual misconduct and failed to enforce its policies and procedures, including notifying parents about Callen’s misconduct.

The jury awarded $500,000.

Citation: Doe v. Trinity Gymnastics, Inc., No. GD 17-004185 (Pa. Ct. Com. Pl. Allegheny Cnty. May 15, 2019).

Plaintiff counsel: Andrew Leger Jr., Pittsburgh.