A shocking case has emerged in Chiayi County, where a swimming coach allegedly sexually harassed female students for years, forcing them to undress for photos and even committing sexual assault. One student discovered her own photo had been edited online into revealing images and received inappropriate messages from the poster. Accompanied by her parents, she reported the incident to the police, who traced the abuse back to her own coach. During a search, authorities found explicit images on the coach’s phone, bringing the case to light. Some victims have been suffering for as long as three years, with seven students affected, some of whom have already entered junior high school.
The incident reportedly took place at an elementary school in Chiayi County. The coach allegedly exploited his position to sexually harass seven students, coercing them to remove their clothes and take explicit photos. Evidence recovered from his phone during a police raid confirmed multiple instances of abuse.
Local residents expressed outrage over the case:
“He abused his authority to coerce children, and if a child is too scared to tell their family, it can have a huge psychological impact,” one said.
“It’s shocking. As a teacher, he should set an example, but instead he destroyed trust. It’s disgusting and unforgivable,” another added.
The case came to light after one victim noticed her image had been edited online into revealing photos and received lewd messages. Her parents accompanied her to report the incident, leading the police to the coach.
The accused coach had previously competed in the World Masters Games, winning medals, and appeared outwardly sunny in photos. In addition to being a swimming coach, he also served as a substitute teacher at the elementary school for five to six years. He is divorced and known to be active in online dating. After the investigation, prosecutors expressed concern that he may possess other hidden explicit images and could reoffend. He was formally detained without bail on November 20.
Chiayi District Court Chief Judge Yi-Zhen stated: “The defendant has attempted to influence witnesses and destroy evidence, and shows a high likelihood of repeated offenses. His actions have severely affected the victims’ sexual autonomy and physical well-being, making detention necessary.”
While the coach is now in custody, the emotional and psychological impact on the victims is expected to last. The Chiayi County Education Department has provided counseling and psychological support for the students, launched a gender equality review, and suspended the swimming coach pending investigation.
