TRENTON, New Jersey – A former “American Ninja Warrior” champion, Andrew Drechsel, has been sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for child exploitation. He was found guilty of engaging in a long-standing sexual relationship with a teenage girl. Chief US District Judge Renée M. Bumb delivered the verdict in New Jersey on Wednesday, tacking on 15 years of supervised release and a $100,000 compensation to the victim.
Drechsel, aged 35, admitted guilt on June 1 to charges of receiving child pornography and coercing a minor to travel interstate for sexual purposes. This announcement was made by the US Attorney’s Office in New Jersey. Despite his success on the competition show where he won $1 million and participated in eight seasons, Drechsel’s criminal activities have tainted his reputation.
The victim, a New Jersey resident who spoke out in 2019, alleged that the sexual relationship originated from their encounter at a parkour event back in 2014, when she was just 14 years old. Drechsel, who was 26 at the time, reportedly invited the girl to his gym in Hamden, Connecticut for her 15th birthday in 2015, where they engaged in sexual activities.
Following the initial encounter, the victim mentioned that she and Drechsel continued their relationship over the next two years. She recounted multiple instances of sexual encounters that took place in various locations around New Jersey during her teenage years. The situation escalated when police discovered explicit images of child sexual abuse on one of Drechsel’s phones in November 2019.
Drechsel, who had been residing in Florida, gained recognition for his victory in season 11 of “American Ninja Warrior.” However, with his recent legal troubles, the network severed all ties with him following his arrest. The severity of his crimes has led to a significant downfall for the once-celebrated champion, highlighting the importance of accountability in cases of child exploitation.