Gymnastics coach in Ottawa and Kingston facing sexual assault charges
A gymnastics coach is facing sexual assault charges in connection to alleged incidents that occurred in the Ottawa and Kingston area over an eight-year period.
Ottawa police say an investigation was launched last April, and the alleged offences occurred between 2014 and 2022 involving seven girls between the ages of 14 and 17.
"Sexual offences took place in the course of his coaching duties and after hours, and incidents occurred into 2022," police said in a statement.
Police say the accused was employed from 2014 to 2021, working in Kingston and Ottawa.
With the assistance of Toronto police, 27-year-old Benjamin Cooper of Toronto, was arrested Wednesday morning.
Cooper is facing six counts of sexual assault, two counts of sexual interference with a person under 16 years of age, three counts of invitation to sexual touching under the age of 16, three counts of unlawful possession of child pornography, five counts of sexual exploitation, and one count of harassment by repeated communication with a person.
Police are concerned there may be more victims in the Ottawa and Kingston areas.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5944.
Gymnastics Ontario says it launched an investigation in April 2022 after receiving complaints about Cooper, and the coach was placed on an interim suspension.
A letter was sent to all member clubs on Wednesday afternoon to provide information about the suspension.
"Gymnastics Ontario commenced an investigation against Mr. Cooper on April 11, 2022, as per our Discipline and Complaint Policy in advance of criminal charges being filed, and after it received information concerning Mr. Cooper," the letter from Gymnastics Ontario said.
"As part of its Complaint, Gymnastics Ontario placed Mr. Cooper under immediate interim suspension from all its activities while the police departments conducted their own investigation."
The letter adds, "Gymnastics Ontario has a zero-tolerance with respect to the harm of any participant in our federation."
Correction
Ottawa police said the accused worked with Gymnastics Ontario. Gymnastics Ontario CEO Dave Sandford tells CTV News Ottawa Cooper was employed at an Ottawa and Kingston region gymnastics club, but was not employed by Gymnastics Ontario.
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