Gustafson trial: More alleged victims, then defense

The defense began presenting its case Tuesday in the Bend trial of Richard Gustafson, a former gymnastics coach accused of sexually abusing girls during sleepovers at his gym, Acrovision.

The day began with four young girls taking the stand. They were between the ages of 9 and 11.

All of them were asked to describe where they were sleeping, what body parts Gustafson touched and how many times he touched them.

Only one of the four girls was actually at the New Year’s Eve sleepover at the center of the initial charges.

The other girls allegedly were abused during other sleepovers but didn’t come forward until the news came out and Gustafson was arrested at the beginning of the year.

The father of one of the girls also testified, describing what happened when he asked his daughter if she experienced abuse.

“Her voice started to get a little crackly when I asked her if Coach Rich had touched her under her clothing, and she was very visibly upset and she said, ‘Yes,” the witness said.

The state then called Bend police Detective Tommy Russell to the stand. He confirmed recordings of phone conversations Gustafson had with his mother about the child porn on his computer.

Later, the defense called six witnesses to the stand.

Gustafson’s sister, former brother-in-law, two former gymnasts and coaches, their mother and an old friend all defended him.

“He’s incapable of doing anything like that,” said Gustafson’s sister, Sarah Gustafson Lombardi.

his former brother-in-law, Vincent Lombardi, said, “I would trust Richard with any child, hands down. Absolutely,”

The former gymnasts referred to Gustafson as a role model and father figure.

Both of them said they have attended sleepovers and never saw anything suspicious.

On Wednesday, Deschutes County Circuit Judge Wells Ashby will hear closing arguments before he renders a verdict.