A Utah gymnastics coach has admitted to charges related to child sexual exploitation. Adam Richard Jacobs, 34, of Woods Cross, Utah, pleaded guilty to transporting a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Jacobs was indicted in April 2023.
Court documents reveal that Jacobs transported a minor from Utah to states including Florida and Texas while serving as the child's gymnastics coach. During this period, he placed hidden cameras in hotel rooms and bathrooms to produce child sexual abuse materials. He acknowledged using electronic devices seized during a March 2023 search warrant for these activities.
An employee at USA Gymnastics World discovered hidden cameras twice in a unisex restroom at the facility and reported it to police. Investigators recovered approximately 120 video files from the restroom, with about 40 videos showing Jacobs setting up cameras both at his home and at USA Gymnastics World.
Jacobs is set for sentencing on August 14, 2025, before a U.S. District Court Judge in Salt Lake City.
U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins announced the case details. The investigation involves multiple agencies including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), local police departments, and the United States Secret Service.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Carl Hollan and Assistant United States Attorney Carol Dain are prosecuting the case under Project Safe Childhood—a Department of Justice initiative launched in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.