Volunteer coach at Calgary school charged with sexual assault of student

Staff Sgt. Chris Tudor of the CPS child abuse unit has details of charges against a local coach.

A Calgary man is facing sexual assault charges in connection with his time as a volunteer coach at a local school.

Calgary police began investigating allegations against the man a week ago.

It’s alleged he sexually abused a minor over a period of nearly two years while volunteering at Henry Wise Wood High School in the community of Kelvin Grove.

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“It is believed the suspect met the victim when she was 15 and used his position of trust to groom the victim before the assaults began,” police said in a news release. “The victim had contact with the suspect through her school, as well as through extracurricular activities.”

Drew Alan Robertson, 50, was arrested one day after the investigation began.

He is now charged with one count each of sexual assault, sexual exploitation and making sexually explicit material available to children.

Robertson is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.

“Coaches are supposed to be instructors, leaders and mentors,” said Staff Sgt. Chris Tudor. “Sexual exploitation by a person in a position of authority is a betrayal of those values, and offenders must be held accountable.”

Police say the victim is receiving support from the Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre.

The Calgary Board of Education says it is aware of the charges laid against Robertson.

“We take this matter seriously,” the CBE said in a statement. “In keeping with CBE policy, the community volunteer coach will have no further association with any CBE school teams. The school will continue to fully cooperate with the police investigation. As this investigation continues and to protect the confidentiality of those directly impacted, we are limited in the information we are able to share.”

The CBE says the school is offering support to students with connections to the accused.

“Families are also encouraged to seek additional community supports as required for their child’s mental health and wellbeing.”

In Canada, there is no time limit on reporting a sexual assault.

Anyone who wishes to report can call police at 403-266-1234.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:

• Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety.
• The Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres' website has a comprehensive list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling. 
• The Ending Violence Association of Canada‘s website has links to helplines, support services and locations across Canada that offer sexual assault kits.
• Indian Residential School Survivors Society crisis lines: [phone] or [phone] (24/7)
• Toronto Rape Crisis Centre crisis line: [phone] (24/7)
• Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: [phone] (24/7)
• Trans Lifeline: [phone]
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 988 (24/7)
• Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre for current and former Canadian Armed Forces members: [phone]
• Read about your rights as a victim on the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime website.