Ottawa Police have charged 27-year-old gymnastics instructor Klyne Pitpitunge of Ottawa with sex-related offences. Pitpitunge was known to club members, students and families as Wookie.
Police say the charges stem from incidents that occurred in March and April 2019 while Pitpitunge worked at Starr Gymnastics on Morrison Drive.
Police say victims in this case range between five and ten years old. Police believe there could be more victims from four to 12 years of age.
In a statement provided to CTV News, Starr Gymnastics said “Our hearts go out to the families who made a report to police and those who are reeling from the news," VP of operations Shawn Jimmo added the club "...will continue to be forthright and to communicate as this case progresses.”
"Mr. Pitpitunge was hired in March 2019. His employment has been terminated. Starr is conducting its own investigation into the matter," the statement reads, in part.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit at 613-236-1222, ext.5760 or reach out to the Victim Crisis Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 2223. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or by downloading the Ottawa Police app.