Climbing Coach from Rockville Charged with Sexual Assault of a 14-Year-Old Student

A Rockville man who was a rock climbing instructor at several Maryland climbing gyms, has been charged in the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl, the Howard County Department of Police said in a news release on Wednesday.

Michael J. Lyons, 31, of 1037 Brice Road in Rockville, has been charged with one count of sex abuse of a minor, one count of sexual solicitation of a minor, six counts of third-degree sex offenses, three counts of fourth-degree sex offenses and one count of second-degree assault, according to online court records.

Police say the charges stem from incidents that occurred between April 2011 and June 2011 at the .

The victim, who is on the gym’s competitive climbing team, reported that Lyons, the team’s coach, “had engaged in sex acts with her,” police said. After an investigation, police arrested Lyons. He is being held at the Howard County Detention Center in Jessup on $100,000 bond, police said.

Police say Lyons also taught at "multiple Earth Treks locations in Maryland." Earth Treks also has locations in  and Timonium. Lyons also is a coach for the U.S. National Climbing Team and USA Climbing, the sport’s national governing body.

In an email sent to members Wednesday afternoon, Earth Treks management said Lyons, who was arrested at the Timonium location, has since been fired.

"We are cooperating fully with Howard County police in their investigation, and encouraging members of the Earth Treks community to contact the police with any relevant information," Earth Treks Chief Operating Officer Chris Jenkins said in a statement. "At Earth Treks, our top priority is providing a safe environment for all members of our community. We are doing everything we can to work with the police and ensure that we follow through on that commitment."

Jenkins referred questions about the investigation to Howard County police.

Investigators are looking into whether there may be other victims. Anyone with information is asked to call the Howard County Department of Police at 410-313-2200.