Coach accused of sexually assaulting cheerleader

Coach accused of sexually assaulting cheerleader

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Story Published: Apr 5, 2007 at 7:29 AM PDT

Story Updated: Apr 6, 2007 at 11:20 AM PDT

By John Sharify

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A private cheerleading coach is in jail, accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old female cheerleader, a student at the Marysville Pilchuk High School.

The 25-year-old coach, Christopher Powell of Auburn, faced a judge during his bail hearing on Wednesday.

Powell was arrested by Marysville police for sexual misconduct with a 16-year-old cheerleader.

Court documents state the teen was taking private lessons from Powell. The teen told police they were in a gym on a Sunday morning several weeks ago when "Christopher jumped on top of her and kissed her neck when she was stretching," the document states. The teen says the sexual assault happened a little while later in the gym.

After the incident, the coach allegedly sent the teen a text message and apologized.

Marysville police said the alleged assault was a one-time incident.

Police want to make it clear that Powell does not work for the Marysville School District. He's a private coach who also gives group lessons.

Court documents describe Powell as a cheerleading tumbling coach who gives lessons to juveniles in both Marysville and Tacoma, and is "well-known throughout the cheerleading community as a great tumbling coach.

Kristi Crabtree, a Marysville parent says kids should be able to trust adults.

"It's sad. It's really sad that kids can't look up to the adults as instructors as guidance," she said.

Powell's mother was in the courtroom. After the hearing, she had no comment. And her son refused to give her statement to police.

Prosecutors have not yet filed charges. The charges could include third-degree rape and indecent liberties.

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