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SPECIAL OLYMPICS GYMNASTICS COACH CHARGED WITH SEXUALLY ABUSING SPECIAL-NEEDS KIDS

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An Illinois gymnastics coach is charged with abusing two special-needs children (not pictured) on a 2014 trip. ABC Chicago reports 48-year-old Patricia Hermann is facing three counts of sexual battery against a minor and one count of aggravated sexual battery for the incidents, which occurred in Georgia last spring.

Hermann has reportedly worked with children who have Down syndrome for three decades, and has coached Special Olympics champions.

Apparently when the two girls came back from a gymnastics trip last year, both were very upset. That’s when they made the shocking confession to their parents. The children claim Hermann fondled them. The kids’ parents contacted authorities and an investigation was launched.

Neighbors say they are shocked. In fact, one woman, Anna Mieczkowski, said Hermann helps her own daughter, who is only 4 years old and has special needs, learn how to swim.

“I can’t believe it, I can’t believe it. I am 100 percent behind her back. She’s helping with everything. I can call her all the time whenever I need something,” Mieczkowski said.

ABC 7 says although Cook County authorities booked Hermann, she will likely be extradited to Georgia to formally face the charges.

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