WARNING: This article contains details about abuse.
A gymnastics coach who has worked at clubs in Ottawa and Kingston has been charged in numerous counts of sexual assault and other sex offenses involving seven young girls, Ottawa Police said.
Ben Cooper, 27, has been charged with sex offenses committed against girls between the ages of 14 and 17 in the Ottawa and Kingston area between 2014 and 2022, police said on Wednesday.
From 2014 to 2021, Cooper was employed at gyms in Ottawa and Kingston, police said. The sex offenses allegedly lasted until 2022 and took place during his coaching duties and after work.
Cooper was charged with the following offenses:
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Sexual assault in six cases.
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Two counts of sexual interference with a person under the age of 16.
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Three times invitation to sexual touching under 16 years old.
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Three counts of unlawful possession of child pornography.
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Five counts of sexual exploitation.
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A count of harassment from repeated communication with an individual.
The Ottawa police investigation into Cooper began in April 2022 and culminated in an arrest Wednesday morning with the assistance of Toronto police.
A 2018 Gymnastics Canada investigation found a “pattern of inaction” by leadership in response to allegations of misconduct. The results of this investigation were kept confidential by the national sports organization.
Recently, hundreds of athletes signed an open letter calling for an independent, third-party investigation into the “toxic culture” of Canadian gymnastics.
Gymnastics Ontario said in an email to its member clubs on Wednesday that it launched its own investigation into Cooper in April 2022 after receiving information about his conduct.
The sports governing body said it “immediately provisionally suspended” Cooper from all membership activities while police investigated.
“Gymnastics Ontario has zero tolerance for harm done by any competitor in our association,” Gymnastics Ontario said in the email.
Police said they are concerned there may be more victims unidentified by Cooper and are asking all other victims to contact their local police force with information.
