Joplin gymnastics coach bound over for trial on statutory sodomy charges

A Joplin gymnastics coach was bound over for trial on two counts of statutory sodomy after waiving his preliminary hearing Monday in Newton County Circuit Court.

Kip Andrew Johnson, 45, also faces two charges of statutory sodomy and one count of furnishing pornographic material to a minor in Jasper County, where he waived his preliminary hearing and was bound over for trial August 19. The next hearing in Jasper County Circuit Court is scheduled for December 6.

The Joplin Police Department investigated a report submitted January 27 through the Missouri Child Abuse Hotline that Johnson had sexually assaulted a boy at the Freeman Rehabilitation and Sports Center.

The allegations against Johnson were described in probable cause statements filed in Newton County an Jasper County circuit courts.

Johnson began messaging the child through social media and text messages. The messages included Johnson asking (the boy) to send him sexually explicit pictures and/or videos of (himself).

During this period, Johnson began furnishing pornographic nude photos of himself to (the boy). (The victim) was 14 years old when Johnson began sending nude pictures of himself.

At Johnson's request, (the boy) send nude pictures of himself through social media and text message. On the day of the incident, Johnson asked (the boy) through text message if he wanted to do "something," alluding to (the boy) having sexual intercourse after gymnastics practice on that Saturday.

Johnson volunteered to give (the boy) a ride home after practice. Johnson stopped at his other workplace, Freeman Rehabilitation and Sports Center at 2206 E. 32nd Street, Joplin, Newton County, Missouri, with (the boy).

Johnson told (him) to follow him into the building. (The boy) recalled entering the back entrance and Johnson putting in a code to shut off the alarm system. (The boy) recalled exact directions inside of the building where Johnson led him into an exam room on the first floor.
Johnson kissed (the boy) and tugged on (his) shirt.

After that, the probable cause statement says Johnson performed a sex act on the boy, then had the boy perform a sex act on him.

The Jasper County probable cause statement notes Johnson's previous alleged assaults against the boy and an assault at Johnson's home.

The sexual assaults occurred in Joplin, Missouri and various locations where gymnastics competitions were held in the United States.

On the day of the incident, Johnson asked (the boy) to come to his home and alluded to him about having sexual intercourse. Johnson picked up the child and took the child to his home at 2502 S. Evan Wood Terrance, Joplin, Jasper County, Missouri, where (they engaged in a sex act and had intercourse) in his bedroom at the residence. (A graphic description is provided in the statement about the act.)

(The boy) was able to remember specific details of Johnson's bedroom, including the color of his bed sheets and bedding.

A residential search warrant was executed of 2502 S Evan Wood Terrance on 02/02/2021. Johnson's bedding and sheets matched the description of (the boy's) disclosure. The items were placed into evidence. Detectives located lubricant used for sexual intercourse inside of the residence.