Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County State's Attorney Bob Berlin has credited law enforcement for the investigation that led to the arrest of a former gymnastics coach who's now charged with multiple counts related to child pornography.

Wyatt Kopka, 30, coached gymnastics in Downers Grove to children ages 2-17 for the past 10 years, the DuPage County Sheriff's Office said in a release on Facebook. He's now being charged with five counts of child pornography possession.

"I commend Sheriff (James) Mendrick and his Digital Forensic Investigation Unit for their truly outstanding efforts on this case which resulted in the filling of additional charges against the defendant," Berlin said in the release. "Child pornography is not a victimless crime and each of these additional allegations represents an additional previously unknown victim for which Mr. Kopka will now face charges."

Kopka was charged with seven additional counts of child-related crimes, including multiple counts of manufacturing child pornography, after authorities executed a search warrant, the sheriff's office said. Kopka could face 47-120 years in prison if convicted.

"I'd like to personally acknowledge the professional work done in this case by Detective Jeff Godfrey and the Digital Forensic Unit to keep the investigation going even after the suspect was in custody," Mendrick said in the release. "These are very heinous and sensitive cases, when the suspect is a person of trust or influence, that require a certain finesse as the allegations likely affect entire families and communities."

Kopka is being held on s $60,000 bond, the sheriff's office reported in Kopka's inmate records. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 11.

Kopka, who lived in Clarendon Hills, learned gymnastics at the Downers Grove Elite Sports Complex before he became a coach, WGN reported. An employee of the facility said that Kopka had been working there "until recently."