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In a shocking turn of events, Drew Drechsel, the former champion of the popular TV show “American Ninja Warrior,” has been sentenced to just over 10 years in prison for multiple child sex crimes. The 35-year-old athlete was arrested in August 2020 after it was discovered that he had engaged in a sexual relationship with a teenage girl he met in 2014.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey confirmed in a press release that Drechsel was sentenced to 121 months in prison on June 26, 2024. He was charged with receiving child pornography and enticing a minor to travel for illicit sexual conduct. Drechsel pleaded guilty to these charges on June 1, 2023, before Chief U.S. District Judge Renée M. Bumb.
Drechsel’s criminal activities began in 2014 when he met the victim, who was 14 years old at the time, through his involvement in the parkour community and his participation in “American Ninja Warrior.” The relationship continued until the victim was 15 years old. According to the Attorney’s Office, Drechsel persuaded the victim to travel across state lines in July 2015 to engage in sexual activity.
The investigation into Drechsel’s actions began when law enforcement agents searched one of his phones on November 8, 2019. They discovered images of child sexual abuse, as well as photos and videos of the victim. This evidence led to his arrest in August 2020 at his home in Saint Cloud, Florida.
In addition to his prison sentence, Judge Bumb imposed 15 years of supervised release on Drechsel and ordered him to pay $100,000 in restitution to the victim. The former TV star’s actions have left a lasting impact on the victim and their family, who have had to endure the trauma of his abuse.
NBC, the network that airs “American Ninja Warrior,” expressed their shock and dismay at Drechsel’s actions. In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, NBC stated, “American Ninja Warrior is a family show that has inspired countless people, and we will not let the actions of one contestant tarnish the hard work and amazing stories of so many.” The network also confirmed that they would sever all ties with Drechsel and remove his appearances from future seasons of the show.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability, especially when it comes to protecting minors from exploitation and abuse. The sentencing of Drew Drechsel marks a significant step towards justice for the victim and highlights the ongoing efforts to combat child sexual abuse.
