WASHINGTON TWP. — A man who was a swim coach for the WTRC Sharks swim team, based out of the Washington Township Recreation Center, is accused of inappropriately touching a minor female swimmer during multiple practices, according to court records.
John “Jay” Smith, 37, is charged with sexual imposition, disorderly conduct and phone threats related to incidents reported to have happened between Feb. 16 and March 2, court records show.
Smith is said to have had a one-on-one practice with the minor victim on Feb. 16 and “asked the minor victim to meet him in the equipment room so he could stretch her out,” a statement of facts filed in Kettering Municipal Court read.
According to court documents, Smith pulled out baby oil and “rubbed the minor victim underneath the bathing suit and rubbed the minor victim’s butt and back.” Court records indicated “he also rubbed the minor victim in the front.”
A spokesman for the organization said WTRC Sharks takes its swimmers safety seriously.
“We reported the incident as soon as we became aware of it and have fully cooperated with the investigation,” said Jeff Zipes, spokesman for WTRC Sharks. “Smith is no longer with the team
We’ve contacted Smith’s attorney for comment, however have not heard back.
A second similar incident was reported, involving the same victim, on Feb. 27, except court records showed Smith was accused of being “more invasive”
On March 1, Smith was told not to have contact with the minor victim or her family, however on March 2 Smith was said to have made contact with the victim.
The WTRC Sharks is a year-round USA Swimming competitive swim team, according to the organization’s web site.
The USA Swimming website has Smith listed as an individual permanently suspended or ineligible for membership effective April 10. Smith is said to have a USA Swimming code of conduct violation, according to the site.
Smith pleaded not guilty to the charges earlier this month and is due back in court on May 24.