Gymnastics Coach Charged With Sending Sexual Messages to Minor

A gymnastics coach that taught in Brooklyn Park and Little Canada has been charged with sending sexual messages to a minor.

David Carlson, 35, of New Brighton, was charged by summons to two counts of engaging in electronic communications with a relating or describing sexual conduct with a child. 

According to the criminal complaint, Brooklyn Park Police received information from a mandated reporter regarding sexual conduction with a minor.

During a forensic interview at the child abuse advocacy center Cornerhouse, the victim described several years worth of inappropriate sexual conduct. 

David Carlson, 35, of New Brighton, was charged by summons to two counts of engaging in electronic communications with a relating or describing sexual conduct with a child.

The victim had participated in a trampoline and tumbling gymnastics program starting around age 10 and continued until he was 15.

The classes started at Midwest Gymnastics in Little Canada. Later, the victim switched to Gleason’s Gymnastics School in Brooklyn Park. 

Carlson was allegedly the victim’s coach throughout this period. 

According to the criminal complaint, Carlson sent the victim pornographic videos and encouraged the victim to use drugs. 

Carlson also allegedly touched the victim inappropriately.

The victim said the conversations took place over Snapchat and he did not save them. 

Carlson, who lived in New Hope during the alleged period of abuse, “confirmed much of the allegations,” according to the complaint. “He understands these conversations were inappropriate.”

His next court appearance is Sept. 14.

Brooklyn Park