Texas Figure Skating Coach Arrested on Sex Crime Charges

Benjamin Shroats, who previously worked with Olympian Amber Glenn, faces allegations of misconduct with students

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Benjamin Shroats, a 47-year-old figure skating coach in the Dallas area who previously worked with Olympian Amber Glenn, was arrested on February 18 and charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of indecency with a child. The charges are reportedly based on accounts from two different alleged victims, according to police.

Why it matters

The arrest of a prominent local figure skating coach on serious sex crime charges has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit Dallas skating community. It raises concerns about the safety and well-being of young athletes and the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures in youth sports.

The details

Shroats was arrested on February 18 and charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of indecency with a child. The investigation began on February 15 after a report was filed alleging that Shroats had engaged in inappropriate relationships with two of his athletes, one of which reportedly began when the athlete was a minor. Police did not provide additional details about when the alleged incidents occurred.

  • Shroats was arrested on February 18, 2026.
  • The investigation began on February 15, 2026 after a report was filed.

The players

Benjamin Shroats

A 47-year-old figure skating coach in the Dallas area who previously worked with Olympian Amber Glenn.

Amber Glenn

An Olympic figure skater who previously trained with Shroats when she was younger, before moving to Colorado Springs to train with her current coach.

Dallas Figure Skating Club

The skating club where Shroats was a longtime member and the club's president sent an email to members about his arrest.

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What they’re saying

“We know news like this is upsetting, and we want our families to know we take concerns involving our members and the adult coaches who train them very seriously.”

— Mary Pottenger, President, Dallas Figure Skating Club (NBC5 in Dallas-Fort Worth)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Shroats to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical need for stronger safeguards and oversight in youth sports to protect young athletes from potential abuse. It underscores the responsibility of sports organizations to thoroughly vet coaches and implement robust policies to prevent and address misconduct.