Gymnastic coach charged with sexually abusing athletes

SCHAUMBURG, IL (WPVI) -- A gymnastics coach has been charged with physically and sexually abusing two of her athletes.

Patricia Hermann, 48, of Schaumburg, Ill., is charged with three counts of sexual battery against a minor and one count of aggravated sexual battery in Cobb County, Georgia.

Hermann was coaching gymnasts from Elite Stars, which describes itself as providing "unique athletic programs for individuals with special needs."

Police say in late April to early May, Hermann traveled with her team from Schaumburg, Ill., to Cobb County, Georgia, for a gymnastics competition. Upon returning, two female athletes in their early teens told their parents Hermann abused them in a hotel room. The alleged victims have cognitive disabilities.

The alleged victims were interviewed at the DuPage County Child Advocacy Center.

Hermann is currently in custody with the Cook County Sheriff.