Langley gymnastics coach charged with sexual interference

A Langley gymnastics coach has been charged with one count of sexual interference.

RCMP say on March 6 they received a report involving an allegation of sexual interference, and on Friday, March 7, Crown Counsel approved one charge against a man who had been working as a coach at the Langley Gymnastics Foundation.

Thirty-two-year-old Abbotsford resident, John William Henry, was removed from his coaching position and arrested on March 6. Langley RCMP say he does not have a previous criminal record.

Police confirmed the victim in the case is under 16 years old and an athlete at the gym. Henry had been working at the facility for four years and all staff go through a criminal record check when they are hired.

Henry is still being held in custody and will next appear in court on Friday, March 14.

Staff at the Langley Gymnastics Foundation are trying to deal with the news and support the families and children who go to the gym.

“We were all very shocked,” said Jacqueline Hewitt, executive director of the Langley Gymnastics Foundation. “Our initial reaction is to support the staff and support the families at this facility.”

“We’ve been working with the RCMP on this investigation, we’re supporting the RCMP’s work and we’re also trying to maintain the integrity of the RCMP investigation at this time,” she added. “We’re working with the RCMP under their guidance and it’s imperative we protect the identity of the witnesses and the victims at this point, so we’re not saying much at this point.”

Langley RCMP’s Serious Crime Unit is interested in hearing from anyone with any information related to the case.