Youth Gymnastics Coach Sexually Assaulted Teens, Monmouth County Jury Rules

MARLBORO, NJ — A former youth gymnastics coach who worked in Monmouth County has been convicted of committing sexual offenses against two student-athletes while they were teens under his instruction, the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office said.

Following a two-week jury trial, Sasha C. Raught, 58, of the Whiting section of Manchester Township, was convicted of one count of first-degree aggravated sexual assault and two counts of second-degree sexual assault on Wednesday.

Raught's conviction comes after an investigation revealed that he had entered into sexual relationships with two of his former athletes when they were each teenagers, authorities said.

The first instance took place when he was employed at Shrewsbury Gymnastics during the early to mid-1990s.

The second instance took place in 2008, when he was employed at Jonas Gymnastics Academy in Marlboro.

Raught was arrested at his home without incident in May 2023 by members of the Prosecutor’s Office and the Manchester and Shrewsbury Police Departments.

He was then lodged in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI). He was indicted in September 2024.

This case is being prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutors Keri- Leigh Schaefer and Joseph Competello.

Raught is being represented by Daniel J. Holzapfel, Esq. and William Faye, Esq.

Sentencing in the case has been tentatively scheduled to take place on Friday, December 11.

Previous Coverage

• Ex-Monmouth County Youth Gymnastics Club Coach Indicted On Sexual Assault Charges
• Ex-Gymnastics Coach In Marlboro Charged In Sex Assault Of 3 Teens