Quebec City minor hockey coach facing 2 child-luring charges
A Quebec City minor hockey coach is facing two charges of child-luring after making several "requests of a sexual nature" online, according to police.
Kevin Pinard-Bédard, 25, was arrested last Thursday following a police investigation. He appeared in court via video.
The midget- and junior-level coach was allegedly luring young teenagers using social media.
"He was talking to them about sexuality," said Quebec City police spokesman David Poitras.
Investigators also seized computer equipment and a cellphone from Pinard-Bédard.
On the day of his arrest, Pinard-Bédard was fired from the Association de Hockey Quebec-Centre (HQC) where he volunteered as an assistant coach at the midget level (15- to 18-year-olds) and head coach at the junior level (18- to 21-year-olds).
He was also a paid player with the hockey association.
Association heads met with players and parents the next day "to inform them of the situation and the measure taken," according to a statement from HQC.
"Like all volunteers of HQC, Mr. Pinard-Bédard was subjected to a criminal record check," the statement said.
The HQC has called on its members to "remain vigilant and not to hesitate to report inappropriate behaviour."
Poitras said the investigation "is still going on" and police are asking the public to come forward if they have any information that might indicate there are other potential victims.
There could be more charges, he said.
Police could not say Monday evening if Pinard-Bédard was currently in police custody or when his next court appearance would be.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact police at 418-641-AGIR (2447) or outside Quebec City at 1-888-641-AGIR.
