Figure skating coach Benjamin Shroats faces sexual assault charges after police launch investigation into alleged misconduct at Dallas Figure Skating Club in Texas

The U.S. figure skating community woke up to some deeply unsettling news this week. A coach who is believed to have previously worked with Olympic gold medalist Amber Glenn has been arrested on serious sexual assault charges, sending ripples far beyond the rink.

Benjamin Shroats, 47, was taken into custody at his home on Wednesday after allegations surfaced involving inappropriate relationships with two athletes. According to local authorities, one of those relationships allegedly began when the athlete was still a minor.

The case is now under active investigation, and emotions are understandably running high.

What Police Say Happened

Law enforcement officials say the investigation began on February 15, after a report was filed detailing alleged misconduct between Shroats and two of his skaters. He is now facing charges of indecency with a child and sexual assault.

Shroats has been affiliated with the Dallas Figure Skating Club, though the club quickly clarified that coaches there operate independently. In a public statement, the organization emphasized that it does not hire or supervise coaches directly and that private lessons are arranged between families and coaches.

Shroats is currently being held at Collin County Detention Center. His bond has reportedly been set at $100,000 for each charge.

Amber Glenn’s Name Surfaces — But Not As A Target

Because of Shroats’ past affiliation in the skating world, questions quickly emerged about any connection to Glenn. It’s important to be clear: there is no indication that Glenn is involved in the allegations in any way.

Glenn, who recently helped Team USA secure gold in the team event at the 2026 Winter Olympics, has become one of the most visible figures in American figure skating.

Openly bisexual and pansexual, she has also been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility in sports, becoming the first openly queer woman to compete for Team USA in figure skating.

Her profile has grown significantly in recent years, not just for her athletic achievements but also for her outspokenness.

A Sport That Demands Trust

Figure skating, perhaps more than many sports, relies heavily on close coach-athlete relationships. Young skaters often begin training at an early age, spending hours daily with coaches who guide their technical development, choreography, and even personal discipline.

That trust is foundational — and when it’s broken, it shakes families and communities.

In the wake of broader abuse scandals across gymnastics, swimming, and other Olympic sports over the past decade, governing bodies have increased safeguarding protocols. Background checks, SafeSport training, and reporting systems have become more common. But as recent history has shown, policies alone do not eliminate risk.

Glenn’s Emotional Olympic Run

Meanwhile, Glenn herself has been navigating a rollercoaster Olympic experience in Milan. Despite her team gold, she struggled in the women’s singles short program earlier this week, finishing 13th after a difficult routine.

She later broke down in tears, a raw moment that resonated with fans who know how punishing elite skating can be.

Off the ice, she has also dealt with intense online backlash. Earlier this month, Glenn announced she was stepping away from social media after receiving what she described as a “scary amount of hate” following comments critical of former President Donald Trump’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues.

The pressure on elite athletes today extends far beyond competition scores.

The Bigger Conversation About Athlete Safety

This arrest adds to an ongoing national conversation about protecting young athletes. Since the Larry Nassar scandal in gymnastics, U.S. sports organizations have faced increased scrutiny. The U.S. Center for SafeSport was created in 2017 to centralize abuse reporting and investigations across Olympic sports.

Still, critics argue enforcement and oversight can vary, particularly when coaches operate independently through private lesson arrangements, as is common in figure skating.

Parents are once again being reminded to stay vigilant, ask questions, and understand the reporting channels available to them.

What’s Next?

The legal process will now move forward. Prosecutors will determine how to proceed based on the evidence gathered, and Shroats will have the opportunity to respond formally to the charges in court.

The Allen Police Department has encouraged anyone with relevant information or concerns to come forward.

For the skating community, the next steps likely involve both reflection and reassurance — reviewing safeguarding practices, supporting affected families, and reinforcing trust.

As for Glenn and other athletes who may find themselves indirectly linked by headlines, the focus will likely remain on performance, preparation, and personal well-being as the season continues.

Summary

A former figure skating coach affiliated with the Dallas Figure Skating Club, Benjamin Shroats, has been arrested on charges of indecency with a child and sexual assault following allegations involving two athletes. One alleged relationship reportedly began when the athlete was a minor.

There is no indication that Olympic gold medalist Amber Glenn is involved in the allegations. The investigation is ongoing, and Shroats is being held on bond as authorities continue to examine the case.