Second gymnastics coach charged in child porn case

A second gymnastics coach has been accused in a St. Charles child pornography case that police say could net even more charges.

Vernor Pagulayan Gumila, 38, of 929 S. Third St., St. Charles, was charged with nine counts of child pornography possession late Thursday -- one day after his roommate and fellow coach was accused of the same offense. He is free on $25,000 bond.

Gumila is the women's gymnastics coach at Gymkhana Gymnastics Club & Dance Studio in Hanover Park, police said. He has worked there since 1991, teaching recreational classes and coaching all levels of gymnastics, according to the company's Web site.

Gumila's roommate, Shawn C. Bowlden, 33, who is a coach at St. Charles Gymnastics Academy, was arrested Wednesday and faces 10 counts of child pornography possession.

Police are not releasing an approximate age or gender for the children shown in the images or disclosing how they think the men obtained them.

Authorities say a tip led to searches of the men's home and forensic analyses of their computers. The search already has uncovered multiple pornographic images of children, officials said, and the investigation isn't over.

"There's going to be more forensic examination of both computers, which may lead to additional charges," St. Charles police spokesman Paul McCurtain said.

On Friday, Gumila was free after posting $25,000 bail, as set by Kane County Associate Judge Leonard J. Wojtecki.

Bowlden remained in custody on $200,000 bond; he must post 10 percent to be released.

If freed, both men can have no contact with children, must avoid places frequented by children, must not photograph children, must avoid the Internet and must submit to electronic monitoring.

Mike Buckley, the president of Gymkhana, could not be reached Friday for comment on Gumila's arrest.

Jay Fisher, the owner of St. Charles Gymnastics Academy, said Wednesday that he was shocked by the charges levied against Bowlden, who was well-liked by parents and students.

So far, investigators say they have no evidence to suggest either Bowlden or Gumila had inappropriate contact with students. They are, however, asking anyone with additional information about the suspects to call (630) 443-3732.

McCurtain said police already have heard from several parents who wanted to voice concerns over Bowlden, as well as come to his defense.

Gumila has no other criminal history in Kane County, records show. Bowlden also has no criminal history other than traffic offenses.

Both men are scheduled to appear in court Oct. 26. They each could face probation or up to 50 years in prison if convicted.