Smithers Saltos gymnastics coach Marcel Dubroy has been charged with sexual assault in Regina, Sask.
The charges stem from a complaint by a 30-year-old Ottawa woman of offences allegedly committed between Jan. 1, 2002 and April 30, 2008 when both Dubroy and the alleged victim were residents of Regina.
“It is not common practice for the Regina Police Service to include information about an accused person’s occupation but, in this case, the alleged offences are the result of the position of authority and trust held by the accused over the victim during the years that he was her gymnastics coach, living and working in Regina,” a police news release stated.
Although there is not a proactive investigation into other potential offences, Elizabeth Popowich, manager of public information for the Regina Police Service, told The Interior News investigators are encouraging other potential victims to come forward through the media release.
“While we don’t have any other reports that I know of, we anticipate that there may be other be other victims… by publishing the fact of his occupation that is in a sense looking to see whether there may be other victims or other disclosures,” she said.
Dubroy, 68 is charged with sexual exploitation, position of trust; Sexual Interference; invitation to sexual touching; sexual assault on a person under the age of 16; and sexual assault.
On Tuesday, the Saltos issued a statement on their website:
“Mr. Dubroy’s membership was suspended nation-wide, effective May 21, 2019,” it said. “The suspension has now been extended, pending the outcome of the judicial process. He has been placed on an indefinite leave of absence, will not be involved in any club activities and is not permitted on the premises. Additionally, he may not coach in any provincially-affiliated member clubs across Canada. The safety of our participants is our primary concern, all necessary measures are being taken to continue programming as usual and maintain our long tradition of program excellence in a healthy and safe environment.”
It said the board will not make any further comment on the matter.
Dubroy has been released on an undertaking and will make his first appearance in Saskatchewan provincial court in Regina on July 17.
This is the second time the local club has been rocked by allegations of sexual misconduct by a coach.
In 2007, Ray Collingham was accused of sexual assault against a former Ontario gymnast. Collingham was acquitted in 2009 and later sued the Peterborough Lakefield Police Services Board in Ontario Superior Court for $5 million.
editor@interior-news.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter