Accusers in Durham gymnastics abuse case want coach to register as sex offender

Judge John Dunlow’s decision comes after a December hearing in which Maness’ attorney, Melissa Owen, asked the court to enforce a plea deal that prosecutors later rescinded. The deal was presented in court in March but never accepted.

“Because the parties' proposed plea arrangement required approval by the trial court, the State…is allowed to rescind the offer of the proposed plea arrangement "at any time before it is consummated by actual entry of the guilty plea and the acceptance and approval of the proposed sentence by the trial judge,” wrote Judge Dunlow in a Dec. 21 filing.

Prosecutors withdraw plea offer, hint at additional victims in Durham gymnastics sex assault case

Maness was initially charged in February 2021 after three athletes filed complaints about the abuse they endured for several years. One accuser said the abuse happened over an eight-year period, from 2012 to 2020.

During a hearing on March 7, prosecutors presented Maness a plea offer that would have dismissed the felony charges in exchange for pleading guilty to lesser crimes of misdemeanor assault on a child, assault on a female and child abuse. Maness would not have to register as a sex offender if he submitted a psychosexual evaluation.

The deal also included a suspended jail sentence, five years of supervised probation and prevented Maness from attending any gymnastics facilities or obtaining a job requiring the supervision of juveniles.

Judge Cynthia Sturges did not accept or reject the offer. Sturges raised concern that Maness would not have to register as a sex offender and she referred the decision to another judge.

“When the girls gave their statements, it was powerful,” recalls Tiffany Hambright, whose daughter is one of the accusers. “When [Judge Sturges] heard the facts of the case, it was powerful. That’s what it took — for people to hear the details [and] hear how it’s affected them.”

In April, the coach was charged in connection with the fourth victim.

Maness’ attorney said he admits to possible unwanted touching but defends it was “consistent with the sport” and elite training.

"There was nothing sexually motivated in this case,” said Owen.

The four accusers believe the touching was sexual in nature.

“Absolutely,” said Hambright.

The survivors and their families want any new deal to include a requirement that Maness register as a sex offender. Hambright said they are prepared for the possibility of a trial.

“If he accepts this plea, we will still accomplish our goals which were to protect anybody else from this happening anymore and to let our girls know that we believe them,” said Hambright.

Assistant District Attorney Brooks Stone said additional potential victims have come forward; however, no new charges have been filed.

Maness is expected back in court in February.