Former St. Helens cheer coach indicted on additional charges of sexual abuse

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A former St. Helens cheer coach is was indicted on new charges Thursday after being arrested earlier in the month for alleged sex abuse, according to the St. Helens Police Department.

Officials say 27-year-old Anthony Trenkler was under investigation following reports made while he was a cheer coach with Vault Elite Cheer in St. Helens.

As a result of the investigation, police “lured” Trenkler and took him into custody on Sept. 6 on charges of first-degree sexual abuse and attempted sexual abuse.

Following the arrest, authorities said they also executed a search warrant, obtaining more evidence.

However, the new indictment comes after police identified additional victims related to Trenkler's work as a cheer coach.

The charges now include multiple counts of first, second and third-degree sexual abuse, four counts of attempted first-degree sexual abuse, as well as furnishing alcohol to a person under 21 years of age.

Trenkler is currently lodged at Columbia County Jail.

Authorities said that they believe there could be more victims and are encouraging anyone with information about Trenkler to contact police.