Charges Formally Filed Against Olympic French Figure Skater Following Sexual Abuse Allegations

A warrant has been issued for Morgan Cipres’ arrest for the crime of Transmission of Harmful Material to a Minor

December 9, 2020 — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — The Pasco County State Attorney’s Office filed a felony charge against French Olympic figure skater Morgan Cipres for the transmission of harmful material to a minor by an electronic device. The crime is a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison. A warrant has been issued for Cipres’ arrest.

Cipres, now 29, trained for several years in Wesley Chapel, Florida. On December 3, 2017, through Instagram, he direct messaged multiple photos of his genitals to a 13-year-old child who trained at the same rink. The photos were accompanied by sexually suggestive messages describing sex acts that he wanted the child to perform. Attorney Andrea Lewis, of Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart and Shipley, represents the girl and her family.

Lewis said the charge was “the first step towards justice for the victim and her family. No child should ever have to go through anything like this. By filing felony charges against Morgan Cipres, the State of Florida has sent a clear message to him and other men who prey on children.”

When asked whether any other organization will be taking action against Cipres or others who are alleged to have covered up the crime, Lewis replied “That is the million-dollar question. What action will SafeSport, US Figure Skating and the French Federation take? The world is watching. Let’s hope they do the right thing.”

Andrea Lewis, an attorney at Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart and Shipley in West Palm Beach, Florida, is a former prosecutor with the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office. Mrs. Lewis is available for comment regarding her client’s charges.