Where is Drew Drechsel now? The decline and sordid fall of the "greatest" 'American Ninja Warrior'
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA: Drew Drechsel, the winner of 'American Ninja Warrior,' faced a significant blow to his reputation due to legal issues in recent years.
Following charges related to sex offenses that carried the possibility of life imprisonment, he was removed from season 12 of the NBC competition. Subsequently, Drechsel has agreed to plead guilty to two felony charges.
Frank J Riccio II, Drew's attorney, stated in an interview from 2020 that his client "maintains his innocence and does intend on entering a ‘not guilty’ plea in his case. We await the review of the evidence in order to properly evaluate all options available to him."
While awaiting trial, Drew Drechsel is detained at the Federal Detention Center in Philadelphia. Additionally, the prize money he earned is being held in escrow until the conclusion of his trial, in compliance with game show laws.
Drew Drechsel pleaded guilty to two charges and signed a waiver of indictment on June 1, 2023. The first offense is receiving child pornography, and the second is being enticed to travel to engage in illicit sexual activity.
Additionally, Drew consented to surrender the 15 electronic devices involved in the crimes and agreed to register as a sexual offender upon his release. His sentencing is scheduled for October 24, 2023, in Camden, New Jersey.
Drew faces a potential sentence of 60 years in jail and substantial fines, as each count carries a maximum fine of $250,000. Accepting the plea agreement likely spared him from a potential life sentence.
What did 'American Ninja Warrior' winner Drew Drechsel do?
According to a criminal complaint disclosed by US Attorney Craig Carpenito, a fourteen-year-old girl attended an event where several 'American Ninja Warriors' participants were present. Allegedly, at this gathering, she met Drew, and they proceeded to exchange phone numbers and remain in contact.
The girl alleges that as a birthday present for turning fifteen in July 2015, Drew, who was twenty-six at the time, set up a visit with her at his gym in Hamden, Connecticut. That was when they had their first sexual encounter.
Following the encounter, the minor informed her mother about her experiences, prompting her to confront Drew about the situation. Allegedly, Drew responded that he was unaware of her age at the time. However, he did not deny his involvement, according to the lawsuit.
The two continued to stay in contact, and in January 2016, they reportedly met outside a restaurant in Marlton, New Jersey, where they allegedly engaged in a sexual encounter in Drew's vehicle. During this period, they maintained regular communication through messaging, which persisted until 2019.
He allegedly persuaded her to provide graphic and naked photos of herself throughout their exchange. Authorities claim that several of these images and videos were found on his phone during their investigation.
When was 'American Ninja Warrior' winner Drew Drechsel arrested?
The 19-year-old girl filed a complaint with the Cherry Hill Police Department in New Jersey in June 2019, alleging that she and Drew had engaged in physical and digital intercourse while she was between the ages of 15 and 17.
In the end, Drew was charged on August 4, 2020, with producing child pornography, luring a juvenile to travel for illegal purposes, traveling to have unlawful sexual relations with a minor, and using interstate commerce to lure a minor.
The same day, he was taken into custody from his residence in Saint Cloud, Florida. He appeared in court there, and subsequently, his case was transferred to New Jersey.
NBC axed 'American Ninja Warrior' winner Drew Drechsel from their platform
The NBC Network issued a statement upon his apprehension, saying, "We are shocked and disturbed to learn about the charges alleged against Drew Drechsel. ‘American Ninja Warrior’ is a family show that has inspired countless people, and we will not let the actions of one contestant tarnish the hard work and amazing stories of so many. Moving forward, the American Ninja Warrior brand will sever all ties with Mr Drechsel, including his appearance on future seasons of the show."
Following the statement and subsequent developments, Drew Drechsel was removed from the twelfth season of the show, which was set to premiere on September 7, 2020.
