New Orleans gymnastics coach to serve 65 years for molesting boys

KENNER, La. (WGNO) -- A former gymnastics coach plead guilty as charged, and was sentenced to 65 years in prison.

The judge made the decision after 27-year-old Jonathan M. West admitted to sexually exploiting 13 boys under his care.

The victims were between the ages of 8 and 15 when the abuse happened, beginning in 2015 and ending with his arrest on May 31, 2018, according to the bill of information.

West pleaded guilty to:

• Nine counts of indecent behavior with juveniles;

• One count of indecent behavior with a juvenile under age 13;

• Eight counts of sexual battery;

• Two counts of oral sexual battery;

• Three counts of sexual battery of a child under age 13;

• One count of computer solicitation of a minor under age 13.

Judge Stephen Enright of the 24th Judicial District Court ran West's sentences concurrently for a total of 65 years.

Police say should West ever be released from prison, he will have to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.