GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A former Kent County Gymnastics coach was sentenced on Wednesday after a jury found him guilty of sexually assaulting dozens of young girls decades ago.
Shannon Guay remained silent as victims spoke testimonies before his sentencing.
The victims’ identities will remain unknown in this article to respect their privacy.
"You are a pedophile, a manipulator, a rapist, a monster and a coward for preying on young, innocent girls for your own disgusting gratification,” said one victim.
Shannon Guay was sentenced to 50 years in jail. He was found guilty of 22 counts for sexually assaulting several young girls between 1990 and 2012.
During the sentencing, one victim turned to Guay and addressed him face to face.
"I was made to feel as though I had done something wrong and invited you to abuse me, and I know now that I did not,” said the victim.
Another described the guilt she felt from the assault.
"I blamed myself for a very long time. that I didn't stop it before it got worse, but during the course of this trial I realized that is not my burden to bear,” said the victim.
Guay was arrested in May of 2023 in Florida after allegations were made that the assaults happened at a business in Plainfield Township by a former employee.
What started as a few allegations, quickly grew to more than a dozen with many of those women wanting Guay to be sentenced to life behind bars.
"The other survivors and I deserve to live without the looming threat of encountering this man ever again,” said a victim.
Guay will have to register as a sex offender and if released, he must be electronically monitored.