Former North Texas Figure Skating Coach Charged with Sexual Abuse

Attorney says two young women endured years of abuse by their former coach

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Two young women have come forward alleging years of sexual abuse by their former North Texas figure skating coach, Benjamin Shroats. Shroats, a longtime coach in Collin County, was arrested last week and is facing multiple felony charges for inappropriate relationships, including one with an underage athlete. The women, represented by attorney Zeke Fortenberry, say the abuse began when they were teenagers and lasted for several years.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious issue of sexual abuse within the sports community, particularly involving minors and young adults. It raises concerns about the oversight and accountability of coaches, as well as the challenges victims face in coming forward with allegations against authority figures they trusted.

The details

According to Fortenberry, one of his clients endured abuse for 5-6 years starting at age 16, while the other was abused for a year when she was 18-19 years old. Shroats was the "lift coach" who worked closely with the young athletes on acrobatics and jumps. The women came forward to the Allen Police Department on February 15, and Shroats was arrested two days later on felony charges of indecency with a child and sexual assault.

  • On February 15, one of the victims came forward to the Allen Police Department.
  • On February 17, Shroats was arrested and booked into the Collin County Detention Center.

The players

Zeke Fortenberry

The attorney representing the two young women who have accused Shroats of sexual abuse.

Benjamin Shroats

A longtime figure skating coach in Collin County, Texas, who has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies for alleged inappropriate relationships with underage and young adult athletes.

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What they’re saying

“Shroats was their lift coach, meaning he was a specialty coach that helped them do lifts, acrobatics, and jumps, so these girls spent countless hours with him every week, multiple times a week. For one of my clients, the abuse went on for 5-6 years. Beginning at age 16. For my other client, the abuse lasted for a year while she was 18-19 years old.”

— Zeke Fortenberry, Attorney (CBS News)

“These girls, their sole motivation is to bring him to justice, that he will be held accountable. There wasn't a trigger or a moment in time. The one that came first, just really felt she needed to share this.”

— Zeke Fortenberry, Attorney (CBS News)

“Mr. Shroats unequivocally denies the allegations against him. As you are aware, criminal charges are accusations and not findings of guilt. The details of this case will be addressed in a courtroom, where evidence is evaluated under the law rather than in the court of public opinion.”

— Shroats' attorney (CBS News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Shroats to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater oversight and accountability within the sports community to protect young athletes from predatory coaches. It also underscores the challenges victims face in coming forward with allegations against authority figures they trusted, and the importance of swift action by law enforcement to investigate such claims.