Crime & Safety

Santee Gymnastics Coach Accused of Sex With Student Requests Psych Evaluation

Patrick Wehrung, 25, pleaded guilty to having sex with the 15-year-old girl four times at La Jolla Shores Beach.

San Diego, CA — A probation request for a psychological evaluation prompted a one-month delay Monday for sentencing of a Santee man who had sex with a 15-year-old girl he taught as a youth gymnastics coach.

Patrick Wehrung, 25, pleaded guilty to three counts, including statutory rape. He faces up to five years and four months in state prison when he is sentenced July 27.

Wehrung was charged in February with having sex with the girl four times at La Jolla Shores Beach between December and January.

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The girl told investigators that Wehrung picked her up at her home on several occasions and took her to the beach, where the crimes occurred.

The teenager had taken classes from Wehrung at Champion Gymnastics & Cheer on Prospect Avenue, where the defendant was employed until his arrest. The owner of the business fired Wehrung upon learning of the accusations against him, police said.

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The girl admitted having a sexual relationship with the defendant when her parents confronted her, according to San Diego police Lt. Sandra Albrektsen.

City News Service

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