Stephen Steele from Florida has been added to USA Swimming’s Banned for Life list, with the suspension effective just over a month ago and his 30-day appeal period having expired.
Full banned list can be seen here.
He was charged in March with lewd and lascivious battery and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He was arrested in Osceola County, Florida, which includes St. Cloud and Kissimmee as its major cities. No further details about his arrest or charges were immediately available through an online search, but “lewd & licivious battery” is defined by Florida attorney Richard Hornsby as:
- Sexual activity with a child older than 12, but younger than 16;
- OR
- Encouraging, forcing, or enticing a child older than 12, but younger than 16 to engage in:
- Sadomasochistic Abuse,
- Sexual Bestiality,
- Prostitution, or
- Any other act involving sexual activity.
A full expansion of the specific charges can be seen here and here. It’s not clear exactly his relationship with the team, but the 21-year old recently competed in the Florida Sunshine Games for the St. Cloud Aquatic Team.
USA Swimming’s official rules violations reference sections 304.3.6, 304.3.18 of the code of conduct. Those read as follows:
304.3.18 Any other material and intentional act, conduct or omission not provided for above, which is detrimental to the image or reputation of USA Swimming, a LSC or the sport of swimming.
304.3.6 Conviction of, imposition of a deferred sentence for, or any plea of guilty or no contest at any time, past or present, or the existence of any pending charges, for (i) any felony, (ii) any offense involving use, possession, distribution or intent to distribute illegal drugs or substances, (iii) any crime involving sexual misconduct, or (iv) any criminal offense against a minor.
