A former “American Ninja Warrior” contender from Connecticut has been sentenced to more than ten years in federal prison for child pornography and exploitation involving a New Jersey victim.
Andrew Drechsel, 35, was sentenced on Thursday in New Jersey for obtaining child pornography and enticing others to travel for criminal sexual activity, according to Philip R. Sellinger, the United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey.
Drechsel, a Saint Cloud, Florida resident, lived in Hamden, Connecticut, from 2014 to November 8, 2019.
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According to the United States Attorney’s Office, the victim lived in New Jersey.
On November 8, 2019, law enforcement agents searched one of Drechsel’s phones and discovered photographs of child sexual abuse, including images of the victim at the age of 14, according to federal authorities.
They claimed that Drechsel confirmed that he met the victim through his parkour activities as an “American Ninja Warrior,” that the victim crossed state lines in July 2015, and that he had sexual intercourse with him.
Drechsel pleaded guilty on June 1, 2023. He was sentenced to 121 months in jail, followed by 15 years on supervised release. He was also required to pay $100,000 in reparation to the victim.
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“American Ninja Warrior” airs on NBC. In 2020, after the accusations were filed, NBCUniversal and the show’s production firm, A. Smith & Co., stated to NBC Philadelphia that they would “sever all ties with Mr. Drechsel, including his appearance on future seasons of the show.”
“We are shocked and disturbed to learn about the charges alleged against Drew Drechsel,” according to the statement. “American Ninja Warrior is a family show that has inspired countless people, and we will not let the actions of one contestant tarnish the hard work and amazing stories of so many.”