On April 5, 2022, Michael Spiller, was training at the Boerne Gymnastics Center when it was reported that he made unwanted physical, and sexual contact with multiple young gymnasts.
If you missed it when we first discussed the case, click here.
Unbeknownst to our client, Michael Spiller had a long history in the gymnastics world dating back to the 70s with allegations of inappropriate behavior dating back decades. Michael Spiller was arrested on November 18, 2022, for allegations of inappropriately touching our client after another woman accused him of exposing himself to her on a bus to Boerne Gymnastics in the early 2000s. Since then, information regarding Mr. Spiller’s inappropriate behavior and additional allegations began to surface, dating back to early in his career, including allegations of assault in Houston in the 80s.
“Given that there are allegations coming out of Kendall County from the early 2000′s up until 2022 when my client is bringing hers, it’s my understanding that there are going to be more claims and allegations coming forward over the next few months,” attorney Meredith Stratigopoulos said.
Meredith Drukker Stratigopoulos with Watts Guerra LLP filed the first lawsuit against Michael Spiller and Boerne Gymnastics on behalf of a minor who was assaulted at Boerne Gymnastics. As Watts Guerra pursues justice against Michael Spiller and Boerne Gymnastics, the Boerne PD and District Attorney’s office have continued their investigation into Spiller’s activities, previously having him held in jail for a number of months in Kendall County.
This case is a great example of why the civil and criminal systems are both instrumental in prosecuting sexual assault cases and how filing a civil lawsuit to hold abusers accountable can hope to protect children in the future. While the criminal system may prevent abusers from reaccessing children through jail time, the online sex offender registry, or other means, the civil system allows survivors to hold entities that allowed or enabled sexual assault to be held accountable as well. When discovering how and why an abuser like Michael Spiller was allowed to work with children for decades it’s important to look at things like a gym’s policies, procedures, and internal investigations to determine whether they were designed to protect children.
Accountability matters top to bottom, Sexual assault should never be swept under the rug. Watts Guerra will continue to support survivors of sexual assault and, as always, encourages any survivor who thinks they may have a potential claim to reach out to us.
Written by:
Laura Ramirez
Law Clerk
WATTS GUERRA LLP
Four Dominion Drive, Bldg. Three, Suite 100
San Antonio, Texas 78257
Phone: (210) 447-0500
Meredith Drukker Stratigopoulos
Partner
WATTS GUERRA LLP
Four Dominion Drive, Bldg. Three, Suite 100
San Antonio, Texas 78257
Phone: (210) 447-0500
Frank Guerra
Board Certified – Personal Injury Law
Texas Board of Legal Specialization
WATTS GUERRA LLP
Four Dominion Drive, Bldg. Three, Suite 100
San Antonio, Texas 78257
Phone: (210) 447-0500
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