North Texas figure skating coach arrested on sexual assault charges

Texas figure skating coach arrested on child sex charges

North Texas figure skating coach Benjamin Shroats has been arrested and charged with indecency with a child and sexual assault following an investigation into alleged inappropriate relationships with two of his athletes.

ALLEN, Texas - A North Texas figure skating coach has been arrested on charges of indecency with a child and sexual assault, authorities said.

Allegations and the arrest

What we know:

Allen police said officers arrested 47-year-old Benjamin Shroats at his residence Tuesday evening following an investigation into allegations that he engaged in inappropriate relationships with two of his athletes. 

Benjamin Shroats

The investigation began Feb. 15 after a report was filed with the department, according to police. APD said one of the relationships reportedly began when the athlete was a minor.

Shroats was arraigned on one count of indecency with a child and one count of sexual assault. The sexual assault charge stems from allegations involving a second victim, police said.

Shroats has previously coached some highly accomplished figure skaters, including 2026 Olympic gold medalist from Plano, Amber Glenn.

Bond information and jail status

What's next:

He is being held at the Collin County Detention Center on bonds totaling $200,000. 

Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing.

Dallas Figure Skating Club issues statement

What they're saying:

The President of the Dallas Figure Skating Club issued this statement to FOX 4:

"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.  The safety and welfare of children is our top priority.

It’s also important to clarify the Club’s role. Dallas Figure Skating Club does not hire, employ, or supervise coaches. All coaches who provide private lessons do so as independent coaches, and lesson arrangements are made directly between families and the coach. In addition, the Club does not own, operate, or manage any ice rinks.

We respect the investigative process and trust that the Allen Police Department is conducting a thorough investigation and also respect the privacy of those involved. If you have information that may be relevant, or if you have concerns about a child who may have been in contact with this coach, please contact the Allen Police Department directly for guidance and assistance."

Shroats denies allegations against him

The other side:

The Edgett Law Firm in McKinney has been retained by Shroats and issued this statement on Feb. 19, 2026, regarding the arrest:

"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.

For the past 30 years, Mr. Shroats has been a well-respected figure skating coach/instructor in the local DFW community. Out of respect for the judicial process and potential future jurors, we will not be litigating this matter through media commentary. We respectfully ask that your media coverage on Mr. Shroats reflect the presumption of innocence that applies to every individual in our justice system. At this time, we have no further comment, but we will notify you should we decide to make a public statement in the future."