Editor’s note: on Oct. 22, the province confirmed the charges have been dropped against Stephen Frank Dienes because he is now dead.
No other details were released. Previous story below:
A man who works as an Alberta sheriff and has been a minor hockey trainer for two decades has been arrested and accused of allegedly using social media to lure a young man for sex.
On Wednesday, the Edmonton Police Service said its sexual assault section had arrested and charged a 52-year-old man in relation to a sexual assault involving a minor earlier this month.
Police said investigators have reason to believe there may be additional complainants.
On Sept. 10, police began investigating a report of a sexual assault on a male youth.
Through the course of the investigation, police said their investigation revealed that in May 2022, the accused allegedly befriended a 16-year-old boy using social media “with the intent of engaging in sexual contact.”
The accused then reportedly sexually assaulted the teenager later that same year in his home.
Stephen Frank Dienes, 52, has since been charged with sexual assault, unlawful confinement and sexual exploitation.
Dienes joined the St. Albert Raiders U18 AAA team as a trainer in the 2018-2019 season but is no longer with the hockey organization.
“St. Albert Minor Hockey Association is aware of charges laid against Stephen Dienes, who was formerly associated with our program,” said executive director Jane Sedo, who declined to comment further.
The president of the Maple Leaf Athletic Club in Edmonton said Dienes was their head trainer from 2004 to 2017, but left to join the Raiders in St. Albert.
“This is a shock to the hockey world and (we) are extremely upset in regards to the charges,” said a statement from president Neil Brown, who went on to express concern for the complainant and encouraged other possible victims to come forwards.
Hockey Edmonton said the accused did not work for them but did volunteer with one of its member clubs. The organization added to the best of its knowledge, no behavioural concerns were raised or disciplinary action taken during his time with the club.
The Government of Alberta confirmed Dienes is employed as a sheriff and was aware of the arrest.
“As an employer, the Government of Alberta is following our standard protocols to ensure a comprehensive review of the matter can occur. We cannot comment further on details of his employment due to privacy,” said a statement from Sheena Campbell, the director of communications with the Ministry of Public Safety and Emergency Services.
EPS investigators are concerned other young men or boys may have also been lured via social media and then sexually assaulted.
“We believe that there may be other victims. If you have been assaulted by Dienes, we encourage you to come forward and report it to police,” says Det. Brian McGuigan with the EPS Sexual Assault Section.
“Most importantly, we want to remind anyone who has been victimized by Dienes: it is not your fault. We are here to help.”
Because of that concern, the EPS is releasing Dienes’ photo to encourage anyone else who may have been victimized to come forward.
Dienes’ next court appearance is Oct. 22.
Anyone who believes they have been victimized is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone.
Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.