February 29, 2024
Former U.S. Olympic fencer and ex-chairman of USA Fencing, Ivan Lee, was arrested on Feb. 26 in New York on charges of sexual abuse.
USA Today reports former U.S. Olympic fencer and ex-chairman of USA Fencing, Ivan Lee, was arrested on Feb. 26 in New York on charges of forcible touching, sexual abuse, and harassment, according to online court records. Lee, 42, pleaded not guilty during his arraignment at Kings Criminal Court in Brooklyn and was released under “non-monetary conditions.”
The arrest stems from an incident on Nov. 8 at a college gymnasium, listed at the same address as the Long Island University-Brooklyn Athletic Center, where Lee was the head coach of the men’s and women’s fencing teams. The criminal complaint alleges that Lee, a former police officer, pulled a young woman onto the ground and “smacked” her on the buttocks without consent. The complainant expressed fear of further physical injury and imminent danger.
Attorney Jack Wiener, representing the complainant pro bono, stated that Lee allegedly engaged in additional inappropriate behavior with his client at different times and locations. Wiener emphasized the betrayal of trust, noting, “My client had every reason to trust Mr. Lee. He is a former police officer, was chairman of USA Fencing, a coach. If she could trust anyone, it should have been him.” Lee and his attorney have not responded to requests for comment.
In December, USA Fencing suspended Lee as chairman for conduct violating the SafeSport Code, an independent body tasked with protecting athletes in the Olympic movement. Lee, who competed in the 2004 Olympics, subsequently resigned upon learning of his suspension.
Lee, recognized for his achievements as the first man of African American descent to win a world fencing championship in 2001, has had a distinguished career. A five-time national champion and USA Fencing Hall of Fame inductee in 2014, he transitioned to coaching in 2019. Under his leadership at LIU-Brooklyn, the fencing program saw notable success, producing two All-Americans and a national champion within two years.
Having worked for the New York City Police Department from 2008 to 2022, Lee is due back in court on April 4. The arrest has sent shockwaves through the fencing community, potentially tarnishing the reputation of a once-celebrated athlete and coach.
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