Former Coach of Olympic Figure Skater Amber Glenn Arrested for Alleged Sex Crimes Involving Two Students, Including a Minor

THE FORMER coach of Olympic gold medalist Amber Glenn has been accused of sex crimes involving two former students including a child.

Benjamin Shroats, 47, has been charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of indecency with a child, sexual contact.

Benjamin Shroats, 47, has been charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of indecency with a childCredit: Collin County Jail He used to coach figure skater Amber Glenn who won gold in the 2026 Winter OlympicsCredit: Getty

Two athletes reported their allegations to the Allen Police Department on February 15, reported The New York Post .

Shroats allegedly “engaged in inappropriate relationships with two of his athletes, one of which reportedly began when the athlete was a minor,” said police.

No details about when the alleged abuse took place have been issued.

The skating coach, who is free on bond but cannot teach or coach as part of the requirements, vehemently denies the allegations.

“For the past 30 years, Mr Shroats has been a well-respected figure skating coach/instructor in the local DFW community,” attorney Scott Edgett said.

“Out of respect for the judicial process and potential future jurors, we will not be litigating this matter through media commentary.”

He “unequivocally denies the allegations against him,” the attorney added.

Shroats previously coached Team USA figure skater Amber Glenn, who described him as her “rink dad or big brother”.

He coached her from the age of nine, before parting ways some years later.

“I took harness lessons from him on my double axel. He became a full-time part of my team when I was Novice,” the Olympian told FigureSkatersOnline in 2014.

“He’s like my rink dad or big brother, making sure I stay on track. While he can be relaxed and chilled, he can also turn up the heat when needed.

“I can completely rely on him to be organized and consistent.”

Glenn, 26, is currently coached by Damon Allen and Tammy Gambill and won a gold medal in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

There is no suggestion that she is one of two athletes involved in the case.

Following Shroats’ arrest, Dallas Figure Skating Club President Mary Pottenger emailed members.

She said that the club takes concerns involving its members seriously and that children’s welfare was a top priority.

“It’s also important to clarify the Club’s role. Dallas Figure Skating Club does not hire, employ, or supervise coaches,” Pottenger said, reports NBC News .

“All coaches who provide private lessons do so as independent coaches, and lesson arrangements are made directly between families and the coach.”

Shroats was booked into Collins County Jail on a $200,000 bond, per The New York Post, citing police records.

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network) at 800-656-HOPE (4673).