Darren Frank McCoy, aged 55, pleaded guilty to the crimes on December 1, 2022.
A former gymnastics and cheerleading coach from Allen, Texas, has been handed a 20-year prison sentence for his involvement in child pornography offenses
The sentencing was announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas, earlier this week. McCoy, who previously worked as a coach at Metroplex Gymnastics and Swim in Allen, as well as Top Dog Cheer in Montgomery, Alabama, covertly recorded teenagers without their knowledge while they were in various stages of undress.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, McCoy illegally transported the explicit pictures and videos, along with other child pornography materials. U.S. District Judge Jeffery V. Brown ordered a 240-month prison term for McCoy. The investigation into McCoy began in November 2019, when authorities discovered him on a cruise ship at the Galveston Port of Entry. He had previously faced allegations of possessing child pornography in 2015.
During the search of McCoy’s possessions, law enforcement officials found nine hidden camera videos showing teenagers changing or showering in bathrooms, gyms, and a hotel. One of the victims was a minor. A total of 10 videos and 290 images of child pornography were discovered on McCoy’s devices, featuring children aged between 1 and 8, depicted in various stages of undress within a hospital, mortuary, or morgue-like setting.
Officials stated, “Darren McCoy is the definition of a predator”
U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani said, “This so-called coach surreptitiously recorded teens and sexually abused a minor for several years. Hopefully, knowing the only bars he will see now are behind a federal prison cell will give his victims some long-awaited peace.”
During the court proceedings, one of McCoy’s victims spoke about the profound impact he had on her, accusing him of robbing her of her childhood. Another victim revealed that she continues to suffer from anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of his actions.
The investigation was carried out in collaboration with the Pearland Police Department, Galveston Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and Customs and Border Protection. McCoy will be transferred to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility and will be subjected to 10 years of supervised release after serving his prison term.
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