Naperville Man Suing Lifetime Fitness Over Alleged Sexual Abuse By Trainer

A 22-year-old Naperville man who was allegedly sexually abused by a Lifetime Fitness trainer when he was 16 has filed a lawsuit against the club, CBS Chicago reports.

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The man alleges that Lifetime Fitness in Warrenville hired trainer Robert Theodore, 60, of Woodridge, without completing a proper background check on him, CBS reports.

Theodore pleaded not guilty in October to charges he sexually abused the boy in a hot tub at the Warrenville fitness center, the Daily Herald reports.

Theodore, who worked at Lifetime Fitness as a track/triathlon trainer, had inappropriate sexual contact with the Naperville minor, then 16, on a number of occasions, according to a news release from Berlin’s office. The abuse allegedly took place at Theodore’s home, the boy’s home and at the local gym where he would train the boy, according to the release.

Theodore was arrested last fall after a seven-month investigation regarding reports that Theodore was having inappropriate contact with minors, according to a news release from the Naperville Police Department. In addition, it is further alleged that Theodore bought expensive gifts for the boy, such as specialized sports equipment, clothing and electronics.  

Theodore was actively training area track and cross country athletes, according to the Naperville Police Department.

Theodore, also a former track coach at Lisle High School, pleaded guilty in the 1980s to attempted molestation of a 12-year-old boy he met through a youth mentoring program in Arizona, according to the Daily Herald.

After posting bail, Theodore was ordered to submit to GPS monitoring and have no contact with the victim or anyone under the age of 18.

Read more at CBS Chicago.