EUGENE, Ore. – A Springfield man who served time in prison for criminally negligent homicide has been arrested for second-degree sex abuse.
Gerald Roy Strebendt, 39, is accused of sexually abusing an underage female athlete he had been coaching. He had been affiliated with 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu as a coach.
A 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu employee said Strebendt worked there as a coach but only taught a morning class for adults and did not teach minors. The employee said the gym has students’ best interests in mind and has a commitment to safety.
Eugene police said there may be other victims in this case and anyone with information is asked to call Detective Cliff Sites at 541-682-5147.
"We're just looking for the public's assistance and any other victims to come forward so justice can be served if there are additional victims," Lt. David Natt with the Eugene Police Department, said.
In May 2015, Strebendt pleaded guilty to shooting and killing David Crofut, 53, in a road rage incident on Bob Straub Parkway in Springfield. Strebendt claimed that the January 2014 shooting was in self-defense. He was sentenced to nearly five years in prison, followed by three years on parole.
