Westfield Gymnastics Coach Sexually Assaulted Girl, 7: Prosecutor

WESTFIELD, NJ — A former gymnastics instructor who worked at multiple Union County locations has been charged with sexually assaulting a 7-year-old student over more than six months, acting Union County Prosecutor Thomas K. Isenhour announced Wednesday.

Jorge Rodriguez, 34, formerly of Elizabeth and currently of Boston, Massachusetts is charged with second-degree sexual assault and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

The alleged abuse took place from September 2015 into March 2016 at the Surgent’s Elite School of Gymnastics location in Westfield, while the victim was a student, according to Union County Assistant Prosecutor Michael Sheets, who is prosecuting the case.

The Special Victims Unit investigation was spearheaded by Detective Colin McNamara.

Rodriguez is currently being held at a corrections center in Boston on unrelated charges, and a first appearance in Union County Superior Court has yet to be scheduled.

Rodriguez is known to have also worked at Surgent’s Elite School of Gymnastics locations in Garwood and Roselle Park during recent years.

Rodriguez could face five to 10 years in state prison if convicted on the second-degree criminal charges.

As for other possible victims, UCPO Spokesman Mark Spivey said, "While we can’t speculate at this time, the Prosecutor’s Office urges any parent with concerns or information about this defendant’s activities at any of those three locations to please contact Detective Kirsh."

Special Victims Unit Detective Ryan Kirsh can be reached at 908-965-3814.

(Image via Union County Prosecutor's Office: Jorge Rodriguez, 34, formerly of Elizabeth)

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