A B.C. lifeguard known as Eddie Spaghetti is facing several counts of child pornography, police in the Okanagan announced on Thursday.
According to the RCMP, Edward Casavant, 54, of Penticton, was arrested Wednesday on an outstanding warrant. He has reportedly been charged with 10 counts relating to incidents between 2008 and 2014.
The charges include:
- Two counts of making or publishing child pornography
- One count of importing or distributing child pornography
- One count of possession of child pornography
- One count of accessing child pornography
- One count of secretly observing/recording nudity in private place
- One count of sexual exploitation of a person with a disability
- One count of sexual assault
- One count of sexual interference of person under 16
- One count of invitation to sexual touching under 16
Police say Casavant, also known as Eddie Spaghetti, was employed as a lifeguard for more than 30 years, beginning in the late 1980s. They believe Casavant used his position to gain access to school-aged children.
In addition, police say Casavant was a long-time employee of a Summerland recreation facility, that he volunteered as a lifeguard at various local summer camps and other community events, and may have had access to children in this capacity.
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Police in Penticton reportedly received information regarding Casavant, sparking a child sexual assault and pornography investigation.
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RCMP said they have identified at least two victims, but strongly believe there are additional victims. Penticton RCMP say they can be contacted at 250-276-2177.
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The District of Summerland said Casavant worked as a lifeguard and aquatic centre supervisor for more than 30 years, and that he retired in late 2018.
“The charges are extremely serious and unsettling, and we condemn the actions of anyone found guilty of such crimes,” the district said in a media statement. “In the meantime, we must trust the justice system to undertake a thorough process.”
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Summerland mayor Toni Boot said “we recognize this situation is deeply upsetting to our community – to any community. It’s upsetting to us as well.
“We know people will have questions, and we will do our best to answer them when it is appropriate and when we have the authorities’ permission to do so.”
Boot added “our focus is on ensuring those impacted by these alleged incidents get the help they need, and ensuring this sort of thing can’t happen again.
“We want all Summerland residents and visitors to know that public safety, and particularly the safety and well-being of our children, matters most. We will do everything in our power to provide municipal facilities where people can feel comfortable, safe and free from harm or discrimination.”
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