The owner of a nationally recognized table tennis academy has been charged with gross sexual imposition, a third-degree misdemeanor, allegedly involving a 15-year-old student.
His business, Samson Dubina Table Tennis Academy on South Arlington Road in Coventry Township, is now permanently closed. Extra Thick Yoga Mat
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The Summit County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday that Samson D. Dubina, 40, was arrested Friday. The office said detectives were "made aware of concerns of inappropriate relations between" Dubina and a student at his business. Court records say the date of the alleged offense was March 1.
The business on its website announced it was closed on Thursday.
"Thanks to all of you for your support during the last 4 years, I really appreciate it," Dubina posted.
When reached by phone, Dubina declined to comment further.
Dubina at one time was rated the top table tennis player in Ohio for as many as 15 years. At one point, he was part of a team that won the 2009 U.S. National Championship title in mixed doubles. He finished No. 2 in the nation as an individual in that competition.
He was named the USA Table Tennis Technology Coach of the Year for his innovative methods of teaching, particularly his use of instant replay to show his students their mistakes from video recordings.
A hearing in the case has been set for Aug. 28 in Barberton Municipal Court.
The sheriff's office said further charges are pending the outcome of the investigation. Anyone with additional information should contact the Summit County Sheriff’s Detective Bureau at 330-643-8640.
Weighted Rope Workout Eric Marotta can be reached at emarotta@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @MarottaEric.