A long-standing nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting at-risk youth, operating with the backing of the Garland Police Department, has been temporarily shut down following the arrest of one of its instructors on child sexual abuse charges.
The instructor in question, identified as Argie Santos, is not a member of the Garland Police Department.
Garland police have expressed serious concern regarding the possibility of additional victims who may have experienced inappropriate contact with Santos.
According to law enforcement sources, the initial accuser was not affiliated with the Garland Police Boxing Gym. However, authorities are strongly urging parents whose children were enrolled in the program to speak with them directly regarding any potentially inappropriate interactions they may have had with Santos.
Santos remains in custody at the Garland City Detention Center. Police have indicated that further details pertaining to this case will be made available at a later date.
What is the Garland Police Boxing Gym?
The Garland Police Boxing Gym was established in 1995, founded on the vision of then-officer David Swavey, who has since retired from the force. The facility was created with the purpose of providing children from difficult home environments the opportunity to develop the skills, focus, and discipline that the sport of boxing instills.
Over the course of its 32-year history, the gym has positively impacted an estimated 10,000 children.
“You’re out there working the streets. You can tell there’s a lot of kids that are misguided,” Swavey said.
The gym had previously been recognized for the coaching and mentorship that both officers and civilian staff provided to young people outside of the traditional school setting. At present, the facility remains temporarily closed.
