Texas Ice Skating Coach Who Worked With Amber Glenn Charged With Child Sexual Assault of 2 Athletes

A figure skating coach has been arrested for sexual assault in north Texas, where authorities have alleged he sexually abused two of the athletes he was training, including a minor.

Benjamin Shroats was arrested Tuesday, February 17, at his home in Allen.

Police said the arrest followed a three-day investigation into claims Shroats sexually assaulted two of the athletes he was working with. One of them, according to investigators, was under the age of 18 when she was allegedly sexually abused by Shroats.

Shroats, 47, is charged with one count of indecency with a child sexual contact and one count of sexual assault.

He is being held on a combined $200,000 bond. Plea information was not available Thursday, February 19.

Police said they will continue investigating Shroats and ask that any other possible victims may come forward by contacting them at (214) 509-4200.

Shroats is well known amongst Texas’ skating community. He previously competed as a pairs skater, NBC News reported, and has coached in Collin County for more than a decade.

He also worked with American figure skater Amber Glenn many years ago — long before she became a 2026 Olympian. Shroats has also been a longtime member of the Dallas Figure Skating Club.

The President of the Dallas Figure Skating Club issued a statement to FOX 4, saying, “We know news like this is upsetting, and we want our families to know we take concerns involving our members and the adult coaches who train them very seriously. The safety and welfare of children is our top priority.

“It’s also important to clarify the Club’s role. Dallas Figure Skating Club does not hire, employ, or supervise coaches,” the statement continued. “All coaches who provide private lessons do so as independent coaches, and lesson arrangements are made directly between families and the coach. In addition, the Club does not own, operate, or manage any ice rinks.

“We respect the investigative process and trust that the Allen Police Department is conducting a thorough investigation and also respect the privacy of those involved,” the statement added. “If you have information that may be relevant, or if you have concerns about a child who may have been in contact with this coach, please contact the Allen Police Department directly for guidance and assistance.”

Glenn, a member of Team USA, gave a disappointing performance in the 2026 Winter Olympics women’s figure skating short program.

Glenn, 26, placing 13th in the event on Tuesday, February 17.

“Landing my highest scoring 3Axel,” she captioned a clip of herself smiling and dancing over a laughing audio. The sound then took a turn and said, “I’m such a bad f***ing chud,” to which the skater kicked the air and threw her hands up.

“Messing up the last jump and getting it invalidated,” she wrote over the video. “I’m coping well thanks for asking.”

If you suspect child abuse, please call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or visit ChildHelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential, and the hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.