California coach, USA Swimming sued over sex abuse

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- The governing body of U.S. competitive swimming faces another lawsuit claiming it did not protect a young swimmer from being sexually abused by her coach.

The lawsuit announced Wednesday in San Jose accuses USA Swimming of negligence and says the organization was responsible for the coach's behavior.

The suit says swim coach Norm Havercroft sexually abused plaintiff Jancy Thompson over a five-year period, beginning when she was about 15 years old.

The Associated Press generally does not identify victims of alleged sexual abuse. However, the 28-year-old has chosen to speak publicly.

Colorado Springs-based USA Swimming declined to comment on the case but said it investigates misconduct complaints and revokes membership if someone's behavior is inappropriate.

A message from The Associated Press seeking comment, left at a listing for Norman Havercroft in Corona del Mar, was not immediately returned.