Former basketball coach faces multiple charges related to sexual assault of a teen

Calgary police have laid several charges against a former basketball coach after a male teenager came forward with accusations of sexual assault.

The alleged victim — who was 14 years old when he joined Genesis Basketball in 2016 — reported to police in November 2020 that he had been sexually assaulted several times by the team's coach.

The coach befriended the victim and would drive him to school, games and practices, police said Friday in a news release.

The teen was also invited to the coach's home, where multiple assaults are alleged to have taken place.

Sean Maheu, 38, was charged on Tuesday with sexual assault, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching and sexual exploitation.

He is set to appear in court on March 11.

"In this instance, it was what we would refer to as a historical report, where it was reported after the fact. So, the victim has come forward as an adult," said Staff Sgt. Michelle Doyle, who is with the Calgary Police Service's sex crimes unit.

Maheu well-known in basketball community, Genesis says

Genesis Basketball president Eddie Richardson said in an emailed statement on Friday that the organization is aware of the allegations against Maheu, who began coaching with the organization in 2015 and left in 2018.

The basketball club said it has been co-operating with CPS, and will continue to do so.

"[Maheu] was well-known in the basketball community and worked with other programs before coming to Genesis," the statement reads in part.

"At the time of Mr. Maheu joining our club, he was employed with Hull Services, an organization that works with some of the city's most vulnerable youth and families."

According to the statement, Genesis coaches are required to have a CPS police check that is no more than a year old.

"We have always been proactive in leading our community in providing our athletes with a safe learning environment and will continue to improve going forward," Richardson said in the release.

"With respect to the charges that have been laid, out of respect for the family and the young man involved, Genesis will have no further comment at this time."

For more information, please visit the Calgary & Area Child Advocacy Centre website at www.calgarycac.ca.