“I have complete confidence in Todd in what he does today and what he did in the past,” Williamson said. “He followed all of our permit requirements, and [Olea] passed a background check.”

Since Olea’s arrest, the village has taken a fresh look at its vetting processes and will now require a higher level nationwide background check and fingerprinting for anyone working with children, Williamson said.

The change wouldn’t have prevented Olea, who had no criminal record, from working at the community center or obtaining a permit, though the director — Hofferberth — maintains the discretion to revoke a vendor’s permit at any time if it is in the best interest of the village.

Making the rounds

Having been given the validation of the village, Olea was able to land coaching gigs all over town, including at various churches, and open a studio of his own.

There were times when parents and church officials were uneasy with how Olea interacted with young girls.

Camilo Sanchez, owner of American Gymsters and Olea’s former manager, recalled how teenage girls would hang around the gym waiting for Olea to finish classes. There were rumors of Olea spending time with teens who were drinking alcohol.

The two alleged victims from a decade ago told the Herald and police they were sexually abused at American Gymsters multiple times.

Per Sanchez’s standard policy, Olea and other coaches were not supposed to be at the gym alone with students. But he was, according to the two women. They said during their private lessons that he would pile equipment in front of the window to block the view and sexually assault them. The gym was meant to be empty and locked.

“I feel bad. I feel terrible,” Sanchez said when he learned that some of the alleged abuse occurred in his gym.

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