Manitoba basketball official charged with sexual assault
Posted December 7, 2023 3:26 pm.
Winnipeg police say a 42-year-old man has been charged following an investigation into two separate historical sexual assaults.
WPS says in April 2023, officers began an investigation after having two men come forward and report incidents that happened while they were referees with the Manitoba Association of Basketball Officials (MABO).
The reports indicate the alleged incidents occurred between 2013 and 2023 by another referee who was employed by MABO, was in a position of authority, and was responsible for assigning games to other referees.
“The first victim reported that between 2010 and 2011, he was in a closed office with the accused and that the accused started speaking to him in a sexual manner and subsequently committed an indecent act in front of him,” said Winnipeg police in a statement.
“The second victim reported that in February 2020, while the accused was in a position of authority, he and the second victim reffed a game together out of town. After the game, the accused gave the victim a ride and parked the vehicle in a secluded area on the way home. Without provocation, the accused performed an indecent act. He then sexually assaulted the victim.”
Police note the second victim also reported that in Aug. 2020, “the accused invited him to his house under the guise of hosting a party for basketball officials. When the victim arrived, he was the only guest in attendance. The accused then sexually assaulted him.”
Police have since charged a 42-year-old man with two counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent act.
