Josh Denault (Photo courtesy: Brown County Jail)
WARNING: This story contains strong language and may not be suitable for all readers.
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Former tennis coach Joshua Denault was convicted Tuesday of taking “upskirt” videos of minors.
Denault, 40, pleaded no contest to four counts of child sexual exploitation-filming and two counts of child enticement. Another 12 counts, including five of capturing an intimate representation, were dismissed as part of the plea deal.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 20. Four of the counts include a five-year minimum prison term.
Denault’s bond was revoked by Judge Thomas Walsh, and he was taken in custody.
Denault was a tennis coach at Western Racquet & Fitness Club in Ashwaubenon and Four Seasons Tennis Club in Allouez, which are owned by the same company.
According to the original criminal complaint, a 10-year-old girl came forward in early May. She said that during lessons, Denault asked her to get into a wide stance, then placed his cellphone directly underneath her and recorded a video.
Sheriff’s officials searched Denault’s phone and found videos of the victim and other girls.
“Joshua did state that he would record a child on the court for training purposes,” the complaint says. However, prosecutors say the videos mainly showed intimate body areas. The girls were all clothed.
“Denault appeared to be ‘instructing’ the juvenile females, however based on the camera angle and video, you can barely see the girls’ arms, tennis racquet and form,” the complaint says.
According to the second criminal complaint, police found 36 “recently deleted” videos on Denault’s phone, leading them to more victims and charges.
One of the victims described her reaction to the evidence, saying “Seeing this video, it makes me feel gross, pissed off and it is very disturbing. Coach Denault always gave me the creeps, so I tried to stay away from him,” the complaint states.
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