USA Swimming is responding to a lawsuit filed by a swimmer who says she was molested by a coach when she was fourteen.
The swimmer claims a former swim coach, Chris Wheat, had an inappropriate relationship with her. Wheat pleaded guilty last year.
Now the swimmer is suing Lawrence Central, Indiana Swimming and USA Swimming. Her attorney claims the organizations knew about Wheat's activities but did nothing to stop him.
USA Swimming says it has not been served with a lawsuit but the organization released a statement:
"We have received several press inquiries related to a press conference given by an Indiana attorney announcing the filing of a lawsuit against USA Swimming and Indiana Swimming. At this time, USA Swimming has not been served with a suit so we are not in a position to comment on these claims. However, to the extent that the attorney has claimed that USA Swimming has a culture of protecting pedophiles, that is categorically untrue. There is nothing more important to USA Swimming than the safety and well-being of its 300,000 members. For that reason, the organization has developed one of the most comprehensive Athlete Protection Programs among Olympic Sports.
"In addition, the attorney's allegation that USA Swimming had been warned of sexual abuse by Chris Wheat is also untrue. The first instance that USA Swimming learned about abuse by Chris Wheat was when we were notified of his arrest in September 2009. Upon learning of the arrest, USA Swimming immediately implemented the process to expel and permanently ban Chris Wheat from USA Swimming which was accomplished shortly thereafter in December 2009."
Wheat pleaded guilty to sexual misconduct with a minor and child solicitation in 2010. He actually confessed those crimes in text messages to another coach with another team in October 2009.
"I have just gotten myself in more trouble and I can't keep my focus....ugh," he wrote in one text message.
Wheat goes on to tell the female coach that he's upset because the teen just called it quits.
When he tells the other coach the young swimmer's name, the coach texted back,"...good catch. Now put her back in the lake and chalk it up as an experience, smile about it occationally (sic) and upgrade to college or a vacation with boys."
"In this Jane Doe case her cavalier attitude is obviously beyond belief. Why USA swimming and Indiana Swimming continue to have her in a position of trust speaks volumes about the culture of the organizations," said Jonathan Little, the victim's attorney.
Little says the text messages show the female coach, who is also a teacher from Lafayette and close friend of Wheat's, should have come forward.
There was this exchange.
Wheat: "Went too far this time but it has stopped for now."
Female coach: "How far?"
Wheat: "Didn't have sex."
Female coach: "Ok so then you didn't technically do anything wrong. So - why in trouble."
"These allegations were never reported to law enforcement despite some of these mandatory reporters - the teachers - were required to report under Indiana law," said Little.
A spokesperson with Indiana Child Services told us everyone is legally required to report abuse or neglect if they have reason to believe it's happening.
Some of the same arguments heard nationally in the scandal embroiling ex-Penn State Coach Joe Paterno and university officials.
Eyewitness News tried but couldn't reach the female coach for comment but she was coaching this week.
