Fitness Club Owner Charged in Molestation Cases

A 53-year-old Sarasota man faces two counts of felony lewd molestation after police officers say he inappropriately touched two underage girls.

Akram Sleit is the owner and a coach at Sarasota Fitness Club/Fight Club, 2211 Fruitville Road, according to the Sarasota Police Department. Sleit, who uses the name “Alan” at the club, was brought into custody after two victims came forward, police wrote in an email to media. The girls, ages 12 and 15, told detectives Sleit touched them inappropriately on multiple occasions.

“One victim told Detectives Sleit touched her inappropriately at least 10 times while taking measurements at the club,” the email said. “Both victims also told detectives that they believe there could be other victims at
the club.”

Both girls, police noted, took boxing lessons at the fitness center.

Anyone with information about other victims or further information in the case is asked to contact Det. Megan Buck at 941-954-7067.

Sleit was being held without bond in the Sarasota County Jail Thursday, according to jail records.

Booking photo courtesy of the Sarasota Police Department