Lethbridge gymnastics coach faces additional sexual assault charges

By Delon Shurtz - Lethbridge Herald on August 12, 2022.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com

A local gymnastics coach accused of sexually assaulting a young girl earlier this year, is now facing charges in relation to three other young girls.

Jamie Ellacott was charged last month with sexual assault and sexual interference after police responded to a report that a seven-year-old girl had been sexually assaulted while attending the Lethbridge Gymnastics Academy in the 3200 block of 32 Street North. On Thursday police reported that three more girls, ages 10, 12 and 14, were alleged to have been sexually assaulted during sessions at the gym in May 2022.

Ellacott was arrested Wednesday and charged with three additional counts of sexual assault and sexual interference. He was released from custody with several conditions, including he not have any contact with the girls or witnesses.

The accused is scheduled to appear in court on the new charges on Aug. 31, the same day he is set to attend the Case Management Office at the courthouse on the original charges.

Ellacott’s charges in relation to the first girl were at the CMO Wednesday but simply adjourned to the Aug. 31, again at the CMO. The Case Management Office permits people who are facing charges to initially adjourn their matters without actually going before a judge in a courtroom.

Ellacott was charged last month with sexual assault and sexual interference after police responded to a report that the seven-year-old girl had been sexually assaulted while attending the gymnastics club. Investigation by members of the violent crimes unit determined the child was sexually assaulted during sessions at the gym between May and June 2022.

Following a judicial interim release hearing July 13, Ellacott was released from custody on that matter with numerous conditions including he not have any contact with the child, and not have any contact or communication directly or indirectly with any person under the age of 16 unless in the presence of a responsible adult. He is also prohibited from attending any public swimming area, school and school yard, daycare, youth shelter and public library, and he cannot work or volunteer in any capacity involving a position of trust or authority over a person under the age of 16.

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