Silver Spring Swim Instructor Charged with Sexually Assaulting Children During Private Lessons

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — A 25-year-old swim instructor from Silver Spring is facing multiple serious charges after allegedly sexually assaulting two children during private swimming lessons, according to the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD).

Tyler Wang’Ombe-Gichuru has been charged with two counts of second-degree rape, along with several other counts related to sexual assault, stemming from an incident reported to police on July 22.

Private Lessons Turned Predatory

According to the PGPD’s Child and Vulnerable Adult Abuse Unit (CVAA), the assaults occurred during a private swim lesson at a community center in Upper Marlboro. The victims, a 7-year-old girl and her 5-year-old brother, were being taught by Gichuru—whom their family had privately hired for instruction.

The children’s father told 7News that Gichuru sexually assaulted both children during and after the lesson—while he was seated nearby.

“I think he was brazen and targeted because he wasn’t afraid that a parent was also present,” the father said.

The man, whose identity is being withheld to protect his children, said Gichuru seemed experienced in manipulation.

“This is not his first rodeo,” he said. “He was trusting… he had the modus operandi. He knew how to get you to trust him.”

Concerning Access to Children

Investigators noted that Gichuru was not employed by the community center but had met the family at a trampoline park in Laurel where he worked. He also worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor with a pool management company, raising concerns about how easily he had access to children through multiple jobs.

Police confirmed that Gichuru has a prior criminal record, including prison time for a gun-related offense, but that background checks were not conducted by either of his employers.

Flaws in Hiring and Background Check Protocols

According to Maryland law, criminal background checks are not permitted until after a conditional job offer is made. This gap in the hiring process is being scrutinized, especially in cases where employees work directly with children.

A lawyer for the pool company declined to confirm whether Gichuru was vetted before being hired. The owner of the trampoline park admitted he did not conduct a background check at all.

Police Urge Parents to Come Forward

A concerned relative of the victims reported the crime to police, launching the ongoing investigation. Now, PGPD detectives are urging any families who may have interacted with Gichuru to speak with their children and report anything unusual.

“Talk to their children to find out if anything inappropriate or anything even remotely inappropriate has happened, and please contact us,” said Lt. Michael Snyder, commander of the child abuse unit.

Held Without Bond as Investigation Expands

Wang’Ombe-Gichuru is currently being held without bond, and police say the investigation is ongoing. CVAA detectives are actively working to identify other potential victims who may have come into contact with him during his various jobs.

The children’s father is calling for justice and accountability, both for his family and to prevent similar incidents from happening to others.