Update: Former Illinois men’s assistant gymnastics coach pleads guilty

Wesley Fane The Daily Illini Former Illinois mens gymnastics assistant head coach Jon Valdez leaves the Champaign County Courthouse in Urbana after pleading guilty to a felony charge of unauthorized videotaping, on Monday, March 10, 2009. Valdez recieved 24 months of probation.

Wesley Fane The Daily Illini Former Illinois men’s gymnastics assistant head coach Jon Valdez leaves the Champaign County Courthouse in Urbana after pleading guilty to a felony charge of unauthorized videotaping, on Monday, March 10, 2009. Valdez recieved 24 months of probation.

By Meghan Montemurro
March 10, 2009

Former Illinois men’s assistant gymnastics coach Jon Valdez appeared in court Tuesday afternoon for a felony charge of unauthorized videotaping.

Valdez pleaded guilty and received 24 months probation, community service with substance abuse and mental health evaluations. The State’s Attorney agreed to not file any further charges.

The Illinois state prosecutor said Valdez was caught on camera positioning the device in a locker in Kenney Gym. The camera captured an Illinois men’s gymnast disrobing and naked in the locker room without consent on Sept. 25, 2008.

Lance Northcutt, Valdez’s attorney, said he was pleased with the plea deal.