WISH-TV | wishtv.com
A Carmel High School swim coach faces federal charges of child sexual exploitation and possession of child pornography after authorities say he engaged in a sexual relationship with one of the female athletes he coached.
Goelz
John Goelz, 29, Fishers, was arrested Tuesday and on Thursday remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. His detention hearing is scheduled for July 10, the office of the U.S. Attorney Josh Minkler announced on Thursday.
“Protecting our youth from sexual predators will always remain a top priority of this office,” said Minkler. “Those we put trust in to supervise and coach our children cannot be allowed to take advantage of them and will face tough federal prosecution.”
Law enforcement officials on June 29 learned that Goelz might have been involved in a sexual relationship with a female minor who he coached for both the Carmel Swim Club and Carmel High School’s swim team. Goelz was an employee of Carmel Swim Club and began volunteering as an assistant swim coach with Carmel High School in the 2015-16 school year.
Authorities were able to determine from screenshots of text message exchanges that the relationship dated back to February 2018.
After getting a search warrant for Goelz’s residence and cellphone, investigators found that Goelz and the female minor had engaged in sex at public parks in Hamilton County, at Goelz’s residence and at a hotel in Anderson. They also determined that Goelz had used his cellphone to record video of their sexual activity.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations and the Hamilton County Metro Child Exploitation Task Force.
Carmel Clay Schools and Carmel Swim Club released a joint statement sent to families of student-athletes on Thursday:
Dear Carmel Clay Schools Swim Team Families and Carmel Swim Club Families,
Carmel Police notified us that John Goelz was arrested earlier this week. We wanted to share with you the following information we have received from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. We have been advised that Mr. Goelz had an inappropriate relationship with a female Carmel High School student-athlete.
Mr. Goelz served as a volunteer assistant coach for the Carmel High school swim team and was also a coach for the Carmel Swim Club. He is not a teacher or otherwise employed by Carmel Clay Schools. He is no longer affiliated with either organization. We continue to be in communication with law enforcement in this ongoing investigation.
We are shocked and deeply saddened this has occurred. We will evaluate the situation as more information becomes available and will continue to do all we can to keep our children safe. We ask that you respect the privacy of the family involved during this difficult time.
Dr. Michael Beresford, Superintendent Carmel Clay Schools
Kristin Sherman, President Carmel Swim Club
If convicted, Goelz could face at least 15 years in prison, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney MaryAnn T. Mindrum.
If you have any additional information about this case, you’re encouraged to call the Hamilton County Metro Child Exploitation Task Force at 317-595-3361.