Matthew Maddison, 37, a climbing coach for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, was arrested Tuesday for viewing and sharing child sex abuse material (CSAM). Authorities believe that Maddison had been engaging with this content since July 2024.
The Investigation
The case dates back to March 16, 2025, when an unnamed social media company filed a CyberTipline report with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. It informed the organization that an account had “uploaded and distributed suspected child sexual abuse material,” according to the affidavit of probable cause.
Next, the IP and email address of the account were sent to the Utah Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, led by the Utah Attorney General. After several search warrants and court orders, authorities identified the account owner as Matthew Maddison, a resident of Summit County, Utah.
On April 28, the ICAC Task Force executed a residential search warrant at Maddison’s residence. After he was arrested and read his Miranda Rights, he “admitted to owning the reported social media account along with the associated email address.”
The affidavit also explained that “in the messages Matthew had with other users on social media, he discussed being aroused by prepubescent children and abusing them.” He is accused of distributing over 30 files of CSAM.
Maddison faces 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, which is a second-degree felony. A conviction of one second-degree felony can carry a sentence of 1 to 15 years in prison and fines up to $10,000, according to Utah State Courts.
He is currently being held without bail in Summit County Jail.
Maddison and the USAC
Maddison has worked with USAC since March 2023. He coached athletes in speed climbing and served as a strength and conditioning coach. He regularly accompanied athletes to competitions, including the 2024 Paris Olympics. Given his position, he was regularly in a position of trust with minors.
USAC sent an email in response to the arrest. “While the charges appear to be unrelated to his coaching responsibilities, we are deeply disturbed by the allegations. Upon learning of this information, we immediately placed Mr. Maddison on unpaid administrative leave, pending resolution of this matter,” USAC President Marc Norman said.
The email emphasized the organization’s commitment to athlete safety as its “highest priority.” Norman explained that all employees go through background checks, and the organization follows the requirements set by the U.S. Center for Safesport, an organization that seeks to prevent abuse in youth sports.
USAC has faced issues surrounding abuse of athletes in the past. In 2022, Alex Fritz, a former USAC coach, was sentenced to 5 years in prison for third-degree child rape of two of his athletes, who were underage girls. Authorities said that Fritz abused them from 2016 to 2019.
GearJunkie reached out to USAC for comment. The organization had no further comment beyond what was stated in its email.
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