Look Who it Was Random video

Gym Reviewing Procedures After Instructor's Arrest

300 views · Published 14 May 2013 · 2:23 · Indexed 27 October 2026

Channel: WTVC NewsChannel 9 · 2013 · News & Politics

Watch on YouTube

By Jerry Askin  We're learning more about a Whitfield County gymnastics instructor accused of inappropriate contact with a teenage girl.  Deputies say he tried to push one of his former students into an adult relationship.38-year-old Billy Newcom was arrested last week.  He's accused of texting a 15-year-old girl and asking her to meet him for sex.2 years ago, Newcom was a part-time gym and cheerleader instructor at the Creative Arts Guild Gym in Dalton. That girl was one his students and she was 13 when he coached her.That's not right. I don't think that should happen. I think he should be locked up for a long time, says Dalton resident Daniel Mulkey. Deputies say about a month ago, the girl began receiving inappropriate pictures and messages from Newcom.  Her mother saw the messages in her daughters cell phone and called police.Dalton resident Crosie Thomas has kids and grandkids and says she's shocked.    I think it's sad. Why would someone in that kind of position want to do something like that?We spoke with the executive director of the Creative Arts Guild Gym.Billy's a very beloved coach and a lot of the girls loved him.  The parents loved him and he did a great job for us, and up until this time, we've never had a complaint - not one, says executive director Terry Tomasello.  She confirms that Newcom worked with several cheerleaders from local elementary, middle, and high schools.  She says Newcom taught the girls how to tumble and prepare for cheerleader competitions.He's a member of USA gymnastics and that's part of  the procedures. They do a  background check and a lot of other things, and there was nothing on it, says Tomasello. Tomasello says Newcom never worked alone with any of the kids.  She says last year he tore his rotator cuff while spotting a gymnast - and he hasn't been back to work there since.I want to reassure the parents that we are doing everything we possibly could do at this point.  We are going to be reviewing these policies and maybe look at it from a different angle moving forward, says Tomasello.  We searched Newcom's background, he has no prior criminal history. He's being charged with one felony count of computer or electronic pornography and child exploitation prevention.

More from this channel