CRIME, POLICE + COURTS

Utah gymnastics coach sentenced after using hidden cameras to record minors

Aug 15, 2025, 10:00 PM

After an explosive device was found underneath a Fox 13 news vehicle in Salt Lake City, two men wer...

FILE — After an explosive device was found underneath a Fox 13 news vehicle in Salt Lake City, two men were immediately identified and connected to the crime in court. On Friday, the FBI revealed that a third person has been tied to the crime. (KSL TV)

(KSL TV)

SALT LAKE CITY – A Utah gymnastics coach was sentenced after investigators said he used hidden cameras to produce child sexual abuse material.

Adam Richard Jacobs, 35, of Woods Cross, Utah, was sentenced to 120 months in prison and a lifetime term of supervised release for child exploitation crimes, according to a release from the United States Attorney’s Office District of Utah.

According to the release, Jacobs admitted to using a hidden camera to record minors in hotel rooms and bathrooms while working as a gymnastics coach. The Attorney’s Office said Jacobs also pleaded guilty to transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.

The release stated that “beginning on a date unknown and continuing until March 2023,” Jacobs transported a minor from Utah to other states while employed as their gymnastics coach.

“During this time, he placed a hidden camera in the minor’s hotel room and bathroom to produce child sexual abuse materials,” the release said.

On two separate occasions, the release said a USA Gymnastics World employee found a hidden camera in a unisex bathroom and called police, the release said.

Following the discovery, investigators reportedly found approximately 120 video files of victims in the restroom. Jacobs was seen on approximately 40 of the videos setting up cameras  USA Gymnastics World and in his home, according to the release.

Homeland Security Investigations, the Woods Cross Police Department, the Kaysville Police Department, the Clearfield Police Department, the Utah Attorney General’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the United States Secret Service and the Davis County Attorney’s Office all helped with the investigation, according to the release.

“In conjunction with this prosecution, Jacobs was charged by the State of Uta in state court,” the release said. “Jacobs has entered a guilty plea in that case and sentencing is pending in the state case.”

Related: After release of 2024 child abuse statistics in Utah, DA says any number is too high

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Utah gymnastics coach sentenced after using hidden cameras to record minors