KENNER, La. (WGNO) – A popular Kenner gymnastics coach has been arrested on child porn charges. Kenner police and the FBI raided the California Avenue home of 43-year-old Brian Townsend after receiving a tip from a State Police Task Force in Shreveport.
Detectives say they recovered a laptop computer, three compact discs, a cell phone and two external storage devices. Various images of child pornography were found on the devices including videos and images of underage girls engaged in sex acts.
Investigators say Townsend also used his camera cell phone to secretly record a 9-year-old changing clothes.
Kenner police say Townsend admitted to downloading child pornography several times. He also said he is not sexually attracted to juveniles but could not provide a reason why he downloaded child porn.
Townsend advised he has coached children’s gymnastics for approximately 30 years and has never touched a child inappropriately, nor has he been accused of it.
Townsend told police he is employed by:
- Debby Dillehay Dance Studio, 3745 Florida Avenue, Kenner.
- Fusion Performing Arts Center, 8814 Veterans Boulevard, Metairie.
- Rhonda Edmunson School of Dance, 5050 W. Esplanade Avenue, Metairie.
- Helena Hosch School of Dance, 4631 W. Napoleon Avenue, Suite 1A, Metairie.
Townsend’s employers have been notified of his arrest.
Townsend was charged with the crimes of pornography involving juveniles (6-counts), production of pornography involving juveniles (1-count), and video voyeurism (13-counts). At this time, Townsend remains in custody, no bond has been set.