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October 30, 2004
Coach to face charges
Teenage girl accuses wrestler of sex crimes
By CARY CASTAGNA, POLICE REPORTER -- canoe.ca
A 35-year-old wrestling coach is accused of three sex crimes against a teenage girl while she was wrestling in a program that operated out of the University of Manitoba, cops said yesterday. Winnipeg police spokeswoman Const. Shelly Glover refused to release the man's name as charges haven't officially been laid, but several sources identified him as former U of M wrestler Terry Nixon.
Nixon, who represented Manitoba at the 2002 nationals in Thunder Bay, is facing two counts of sexual exploitation and one count of sexual assault.
Nixon wasn't coaching the victim. He was a U of M student-athlete and a paid coach through the Manitoba Freestyle Wrestling Association, sources said.
An official with the Manitoba Freestyle Wrestling Association declined comment.
The victim, now 18, was enrolled in a varsity wrestling program that used the university's wrestling facilities, police and sources said.
In November 2002, a male coach allegedly led the then-15-year-old girl to a secluded area and exposed himself to her while asking that she perform a sexual act on him, Glover said. He allegedly asked her to perform fellatio, sources said.
"She refused and he threatened to interfere with her position on the wrestling team," Glover said.
NOTHING WAS DONE
In March 2003, the male coach allegedly made sexual advances toward the teen and sexually touched her, Glover said.
"She resisted and the coach stopped the act," Glover said.
Sources say the teen allegedly told several people -- including another coach -- what had happened, but nothing was done.
In August 2004, she reported the incidents to the Winnipeg police child abuse unit and an investigation was launched. After consulting with the Crown attorney's office, cops made an arrest Wednesday.
The suspect, who was previously known to police, was released on a promise to appear in court. His next court appearance is Dec. 9.
Cops are investigating whether the teen's initial complaints were ignored. Under the Child and Family Services Act, adults in positions of authority must disclose any information relating to sexual or physical abuse of a child under their care.
The victim's father declined comment.
Posted by Nealus at October 30, 2004 01:06 PM
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