A well-known Coquitlam minor sports coach is facing charges of voyeurism and child pornography.
Fifty-nine-year-old Randy William Downes is facing nine charges, all dated to March 31, 2016, of secretly observing and recording nudity in a private place, as well as possession and making of child pornography.
Police say Downes has been involved in youth sports across Metro Vancouver for more than three decades.
He coached various levels of hockey and baseball since the 1990s and worked as a photographer.
The investigation into his alleged conduct began at the end of March. On April 27, investigators executed a search warrant on his home and seized digital evidence that contained images of children that met the criteria for voyeurism and child pornography.
Police say the photographs were most likely taken between June 2013 and April 2016.
“We have no evidence to suggest that Mr. Downes has had sexual contact with any of these children,” said Cst. Jamie Phillipson with Coquitlam RCMP.
Downes is currently the president of Coquitlam Moody Minor Baseball Association. Global News learned the association is holding an emergency meeting today on how to handle the situation.
BC Amateur Baseball Association said in a statement that Downes was suspended from all baseball, volunteer and board activity, effective immediately.
“After consulting with the RCMP, we have no information on any individual alleged victims involved with baseball. Should we become aware of any individual potential victims, we will try to assist them in accessing all appropriate resources.”
The association says Coquitlam-Moody Minor Baseball requires criminal record checks from all its coaches and Downes has complied with that requirement.
Downes was arrested and formally charged this morning. He is scheduled to appear in court this afternoon.
Investigators are releasing a photo of Downes hoping it will help identify any potential victims and witnesses.
“We are encouraging anyone with information relevant to the investigation to contact us,” said Phillipson. “We also encourage parents and caregivers of children who have interacted with Mr. Downes to speak with their children and contact the police with any questions.”
Anyone with information is asked to email investigators at coquitlam_sex_crimes@rcmp-grc.gc.ca or call Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550, quoting police file number 2016-9938.
If you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers:
- by phone: 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS)
- online: http://www.solvecrime.ca
- by SMS: Text BCTIP and your message to CRIMES (274637)
- via Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/metrovancouvercrimestoppers
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