A former billet parent associated with the Ontario Hockey League has found themselves in a precarious situation after being charged with multiple sex-related offences in relation to two minors in Peterborough, Ontario.
The Peterborough Police Service initiated an investigation in early February, resulting in the arrest of a woman on Feb. 21. The charges against her include sexual exploitation, making sexually explicit material available to a person under 18 years of age, and accessing child pornography. The initial arrest was not publicly disclosed by the police.
Court documents indicate that the accused, who held a position of trust or authority over the youth, allegedly engaged in an exploitative relationship. Additionally, it is alleged that she provided sexually explicit material to an individual under the age of 18 and distributed an obscene picture between Feb. 1 and March 31, 2023.
According to reports from TSN on Feb. 28, the accused is a Petes’ billet parent, and the complainant is a player. Subsequently, the woman was arrested for another charge involving a second minor the following week.
The accused appeared in court in Peterborough and was released to a surety with a future court date. A court-ordered publication ban was imposed to safeguard the identity of the complainants and any witnesses.
The Peterborough Police Service has emphasised that they are not seeking any other suspects and have assured the public that they are dedicated to safeguarding the privacy of the victims. They have requested patience as the investigation progresses and the case moves through the judicial process. As the case is sub judice, they have declined to provide any further comment.
The Petes did not respond to requests for comment regarding the incident.
This news is certainly concerning, raising questions about the safety and well-being of young people involved in hockey programs. It is imperative for all organisations, including sports leagues, to implement stringent protocols to protect young athletes and conduct thorough background checks on individuals who will have close contact with them.