Former Gymnastics Coach Charged With Sexually Assaulting Three Athletes

Sasha C. Raught (Photo courtesy Monmouth County Authorities)

  MONMOUTH COUNTY – An Ocean County man, who was formerly a youth gymnastics coach across Monmouth County for 30 years, was arrested for committing sexual offenses against three of the athletes he coached while they were minors, officials said.

  Sasha C. Raught, 55, of Manchester Township, was charged with first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault and three counts of second-degree Sexual Assault.

  According to authorities, Raught entered into sexual relationships with three of his former athletes when they were each teenagers.

  The first two alleged instances took place when he was employed at Shrewsbury Gymnastics during the early to mid-1990s. The third instance took place in 2008, while he was employed at Jonas Gymnastics Academy in Marlboro.

  Last month, Raught was arrested at his home without incident and was lodged in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) pending a detention hearing scheduled to take place on June 7. The State has filed a motion to keep Raught detained as the criminal case against him proceeds.

  Raught faces up to 20 years in state prison for first-degree criminal charges.

  Anyone with information about Raught’s activities is asked to contact MCPO Detective Joseph Pahopin toll-free at 1-800-533-7443.

  Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendants have all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.