Volunteer coach at Calgary school charged with sexual assault of student

A volunteer high school coach is facing charges after allegedly grooming and assaulting a minor for nearly two years.

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

“We received valuable information early on – including from search warrants – that led us to be able to lay charges early, but the investigation is still ongoing,” said Staff Sgt. Chris Tudor of the CPS child abuse unit.

Robertson is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.

‘Sexual’ video shared on group chat

Tudor says the investigation was, in part, sparked by a video shared on a parent/student group chat.

“It was inappropriate and sexual in nature,” he said. “That didn’t really form part of our investigation, but it did lead to the beginning of the investigation.”

“We believe the person in the video that was shared to the group chat is the person that has been charged.”

Tudor says they don’t believe the video was sent to the group chat intentionally.

He says that part of the investigation remains “with the school resource officer.”

“It didn’t necessarily inform part of the child sexual abuse investigation,” he explained.

Tudor didn’t disclose exactly how they became aware of the allegations against Robertson.

According to court documents, he has no previous criminal charges.

Tudor said Robertson owns a gym “not far” from the school where some students worked out.

“Everybody from the school to the players and the parents of those players trusted him to coach and mentor their students and their children,” he said “The accused took advantage of that.”

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 co-operate 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 well-being.”

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.