A Reliable Coach

James Bell has myopic blue eyes and wears generic glasses. He has mousy brown hair and a "bowl-cut". A small frame completes the appearance of a very unassuming man, described as "someone who blends in." A typical geek, Bell has a passion for computer repair and technology, and owned a small business in the past. His life's work, however, has been devoted to coaching gymnastics. For years, parents around the country have entrusted James Bell with their children's training and guidance, and nothing could have been more important than that.

On July 25, 2003, the director of a YMCA near Providence, Rhode Island, called authorities to report that three girls came forward with allegations of sexual abuse against their gymnastics coach James Bell. The girls, between the ages of 9 and 14, all made similar claims, describing in disturbing details the sexual play in which the coach forced them to participate. To manipulate the children and maintain control, Bell made psychologically damaging comments about the girls' physique, aimed at their self-esteem.

When Rhode Island police investigated Bell's background, they made a terrifying discovery: Bell had been accused of similar improper conduct at almost every coaching job he had held. Approximately ten to twelve years ago, female students at two different athletic clubs in Oregon raised allegations of sexual misconduct against Bell, which resulted in his immediate dismissal from both jobs.

By the time Rhode Island police showed up at Bell's residence with an arrest warrant, he had moved to Washington. They found him and brought him back, but he posted bail and once again disappeared. Police in Oregon, Washington and Rhode Island are looking for this dangerous individual, hoping to get to him before he can damage another young girl. Wherever he is, he is likely to be working as a gymnastics coach.

The above account is based on a true story. Background checks protect peaceful citizens from being deceived and/or harmed by a cunning criminal.