HOUSTON -- A Houston man who formerly worked as a gymnastics coach in Katy was arrested for abusing two young boys while working in Colorado, according to the Adams and Broomfield Counties District Attorney s Office.
Robert Edward Barke, 32, was charged with sexual assault on a child by a person in a position of trust, sexual assault on a child by a person in a position of trust as a pattern of abuse, sexual assault on a child and unlawful sexual contact.
Barke sexually assaulted the boys from October 2004 to June 2007 while he was their gymnastics coach at Xtreme Altitude Gymnastics in Broomfield, Colorado. The victims were ages 12 and 14 when the assaults began, investigators said.
Barke, who now lives in Houston, was arrested on March 27. He was released on $100,000 bond.
He waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday and was bound over for trial in Broomfield County District Court. He will be arraigned June 20 at 8:30 a.m.
The Broomfield Police Department is seeking information about other potential witnesses or victims who have not yet come forward. Anyone with information should contact Detective Dale Hammell at 303-464-5733.
Barke once coached at Champions Gymnastics Academy located at 2004 S. Mason Road in Katy.
An employee of the gym confirmed Barke worked there in recent history and was terminated, but said under advice from lawyers, they would not be releasing any more information.
Any local parents who think their children were victims of Barke are also urged to contact authorities.
