February 18, 2016 - 6:48 PM
KELOWNA, B.C. - A gymnastics coach in Kelowna, B.C., is facing five sex-crime charges, including making child pornography.
Angelo Despotas, who coached trampoline at a gymnastics club in the city, allegedly made video recordings of seven girls, ages eight to 17, in the facility's women's washroom.
He is accused of hiding a small camera inside a garbage can.
Police have seized ten videos in their investigation.
Despotas is also accused of making secret recordings for a sexual purpose, allegedly using his a GoPro camera to take video up the skirts of two girls shopping at a Kelowna electronics store.
Gymnastics B.C. has suspended Despotas' coaching certificate pending the outcome of the judicial proceedings.
"We are saddened and deeply distressed to hear of this situation,' says CEO Brian Forrester.
"The safety of children participating in our clubs is the primary concern of Gymnastics B.C. and its member clubs." (Global News)
News from © The Canadian Press, 2016