Gardner’s arrest and conviction have intensified scrutiny over whether gymnastics authorities adequately protected athletes, including former students in Iowa who allege he preyed on them while coaching and directing events at Chow’s Gymnastics in West Des Moines.

U.S. District Judge Kristi Johnson imposed the maximum sentence of 30 years for each of the three counts, effectively a life sentence given Gardner’s age.

Gardner pleaded guilty to placing a hidden camera in a bathroom at a Purvis, Mississippi studio between late 2017 and spring 2018, with investigators discovering videos showing close-up images of at least 10 minors naked or undressing.

The sentencing underscores the severity of the offenses and the legal consequences for such misconduct.

Notes from the verdict do not include further details about the reasoning, exact charges, or statements from victims beyond the sentencing and nature of the crimes.

The federal case was pursued under Project Safe Childhood, a DOJ initiative launched in 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and coordinate resources to prosecute offenders and rescue victims.

The conviction and sentencing concern crimes involving exploitation of minors and covert video recording.

The Associated Press contributed to the reporting.

Judge Johnson did not show leniency, and the decision avoided a trial that could have required testimony from underage victims.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff stated that Gardner’s actions harmed children and ended this pattern of abuse.

The case has had a lasting impact on the sport of gymnastics and heightened public attention to safeguarding practices in youth programs.

Some of Gardner’s former students and others have alleged abuse and misuse of his position, with Iowa-related allegations separate from the federal case.