Conviction Reversed For Gymnastics Coach Accused of Abuse

AURORA, Ill. (CBS 2) -- An appellate court has reversed the conviction of former gymnastics coach Michael Cardamone and ordered a new trial, his attorney said Friday.

Cardamone was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2005 for fondling seven girls, ages 7 to 12, at his mother's Aurora gymnasium, the American Institute of Gymnastics. He was convicted of nine counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

Prosecutors accused Cardamone of inappropriately touching the girls during stretching exercises and in a private room at the institute, where he coached for nine years.

His family has maintained he is innocent.

Cardamone's attorney Kathleen Zellner said the conviction was reversed by the Appellate Court for the Second District of Illinois on Friday morning.

DuPage State's Attorney Joe Birkett said he is disappointed with the court's decision and will appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court. e

"Judge Michael Burke, the trial judge in this case, gave both sides a very fair trial," Birkett said in a statement. "I am hopeful that the Illinois Supreme Court will take this case and re-instate these convictions so that these children will not have to be put through another trial."

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Conviction Reversed For Gymnastics Coach Accused of Abuse

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