A former youth soccer coach in Texas was sentenced to prison for multiple sexual offenses involving a minor, according to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Andrew Olnhausen, 39, will serve a term of 22 years and 2 months to 60 years, after a Lenawee County jury found him guilty of several crimes including first-degree criminal sexual conduct and possession of child sexually abusive material. The announcement came after a sentencing hearing conducted by Judge Michael Olsaver of the 39th Circuit Court, according to the Michigan Attorney General's office.
Olnhausen, who had been coaching with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, was found to have engaged in an abusive sexual relationship with a player starting in 2016, when the child was just 12 years old. The abuse continued until the victim reached approximately 16 years of age. "Survivors of sexual assault deserve to see their abusers brought to justice, no matter how long it takes," Attorney General Nessel said, pointing out the formidable strength it requires from victims to come forward, as stated by the Michigan Attorney General's office.
The case against Olnhausen was a result of an investigation by the Adrian Police Department. In a statement obtained by the Michigan Attorney General's office, it's detailed that Olnhausen was extradited back to Michigan from Texas in 2022 to face the charges brought against him. During the trial, the jury heard evidence tying Olnhausen to the crimes, leading to his conviction on multiple charges.
Beyond his prison term, Olnhausen is ordered to permanently register as a sex offender and is subjected to lifetime electronic monitoring. This ruling is one of the outcomes from advocacy efforts to ensure survivors can see their abusers held accountable. Attorney General Nessel further stated, "We remain committed to standing with sexual assault victims and holding abusers accountable." Olnhausen's conviction and sentencing serve as a significant moment of reckoning for the crimes committed against the young athlete entrusted to his care, and a reminder of the ongoing struggle to protect the vulnerable from those who would exploit their positions of authority, as per the Michigan Attorney General's office.
