Luling gymnastics coach Jonathan West now faces sex abuse allegations in St. Charles

June 08--A gymnastics coach facing a string of sexual abuse counts in Jefferson Parish now faces accusations in St. Charles Parish as well, authorities said Thursday.

The St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office said that Jonathan West, 26, faces arrest on six felonies relating to sexual misconduct.

West abused two juvenile victims at the Flipnastics studio in Luling between April and May of this year, the Sheriff's Office said. He faces three new counts of sexual battery, one count of oral sexual battery and two counts of indecent behavior with juveniles.

Investigators in Jefferson Parish had already arrested him on a string of counts there after six boys said he molested them. Many of the victims faced abuse as West drove them to the studio in Luling, deputies said.

West masturbated in front of some of the victims, sent pornography to others and asked for a picture of one victim's genitals, authorities allege.

Investigators believe the abuse went on for years. Court records show that West was accused of raping a woman in Uptown New Orleans in 2011 and of sexually abusing a 3-year-old boy the next year. Neither allegation led to an indictment or trial.

West is expected to be booked on the new counts in St. Charles after he is transported from the Jefferson Parish lockup.

West remained in custody at the Gretna jail Thursday on a total bail of $190,000.

Detectives in St. Charles may obtain additional arrest warrants for West. The Sheriff's Office said it is still "actively investigating" and has identified more potential victims.

Authorities asked anyone with information about the case to call Detective Steven Fontenot of the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office at (985) 783-1135 or (985) 783-6807.

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