Orry Mejia, Gymnastics Coach Sexual Abuse Investigation

A Louisiana gymnastics coach working with children at multiple Northshore-area gyms is facing serious criminal charges. This is after authorities alleged he engaged in inappropriate communications and sexual conduct involving a minor athlete.

Recent reporting has uncovered that Mejia was fired from North Shore Gynamstics after allegations were made and was then immediately hired by Cypress Pointe Gymnastics as a coach. Thus, putting more children in danger after allegations arose.

According to the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, Orry Mejia, 42, was arrested and charged with multiple counts of felony sexual battery, misdemeanor sexual battery, and indecent behavior with a juvenile. 

The allegations have shaken the local gymnastics community and raised difficult questions about athlete safety and institutional oversight. In addition, these events have led to questions about how youth-serving organizations respond to warning signs involving coaches and minors.

Allegations Began with Inappropriate Text Messages

Investigators say the case began after a parent discovered what authorities described as inappropriate text messages between Mejia and her daughter in 2024. Later, the incident was reported to law enforcement in 2025. 

According to reports, detectives initially lacked sufficient evidence to make an arrest. However, authorities say new information later disclosed by the alleged victim led to the issuance of an arrest warrant. Mejia was ultimately taken into custody by St. Tammany Parish deputies. 

Officials confirmed Mejia worked as a gymnastics coach in St. Tammany Parish. Reports indicate he previously worked at North Shore Gymnastics in Mandeville. Additionally, he later coached at another gymnastics facility after his termination. 

According to WWL Louisiana, the owner of North Shore Gymnastics stated Mejia had been fired in 2024 after concerns related to abuse allegations were brought to ownership’s attention. 

USA Gymnastics has reportedly listed Mejia with a pending resolution and “suspended from all contact” status. 

Grooming Often Begins with Communication

Cases involving coaches and minors frequently involve allegations of grooming behaviors before any physical abuse occurs.

Grooming can include:

• Excessive private communication
• Texting or messaging outside appropriate boundaries
• Emotional manipulation
• Creating secrecy with a child
• Isolating athletes from parents or peers
• Gradually testing physical or emotional boundaries

For many survivors, inappropriate texts or conversations are not viewed as “minor” incidents. They are often part of a broader pattern of boundary violations and manipulation.

Youth sports environments can create unique vulnerabilities because families and athletes often trust coaches as authority figures.They have significant access to children and influence over their futures.

The Ongoing Problem of Abuse in Youth Athletics

The allegations against Mejia emerge amid continued national scrutiny surrounding abuse in youth sports and gymnastics programs.

Over the last decade, survivors have exposed widespread failures within athletic organizations to properly respond to complaints, identify grooming behaviors, and protect young athletes from predatory adults.

Many survivors report:

• Fear of not being believed
• Pressure to stay silent
• Concerns about losing opportunities in their sport
• Intimidation by authority figures
• Institutions minimizing or ignoring warning signs

When organizations fail to act quickly on reports of misconduct, children may remain exposed to potential harm.

Institutional Accountability Matters

Cases involving coaches and youth organizations can raise important questions regarding:

• Hiring and screening practices
• Background checks
• Supervision policies
• Reporting obligations
• Communication monitoring
• Responses to prior complaints or red flags

When institutions allow coaches accused of misconduct to continue working with children after concerns arise, they may face serious scrutiny. Additionally, they may question regarding whether adequate protective measures were taken.

Civil litigation can help uncover whether organizations ignored warning signs or failed to implement reasonable safeguards designed to protect young athletes.

Survivors Deserve Support and Protection

The emotional impact of abuse or grooming by a trusted coach can be devastating. Survivors may experience anxiety, depression, PTSD, shame, trust issues, eating disorders, or long-term emotional trauma connected to both the abuse and the betrayal of trust.

Coaches and athletic programs often teach children to obey authority figures and push through discomfort. dynamics are ones that predators can exploit.

Parents and caregivers should take boundary violations seriously, including excessive private messaging, favoritism, secrecy, or emotionally inappropriate relationships between coaches and children.

Speaking With a Sexual Abuse Lawyer About Your Rights

If you or someone you love experienced sexual abuse, grooming, exploitation, or inappropriate conduct by Orry Mejia or another youth sports coach, you may have a civil case.

Andreozzi + Foote is a civil law firm dedicated to representing survivors of sexual abuse and exploitation nationwide.

We offer free, confidential consultations to help survivors understand their rights and explore potential legal options in a safe and supportive environment.

You deserve to be heard, and our attorneys are ready to listen.

Contact us today.

(866) 858-3790
info@vca.law

Photos courtesy of WWLTV and North Shore webpage