The arrest of a Langley gymnastics coach accused of inappropriate sexual contact with a student has left parents in the community reeling.
Abbotsford resident John William Henry, 32, was taken into custody last Thursday and charged with one count of sexual interference, meaning the alleged victim is under 16 years old.
His employer, the Langley Gymnastics Foundation, confirmed he is no longer working there.
“As soon as we were notified by the RCMP the coach was removed from the facility,” executive director Jacqueline Hewitt said. “We’re all very shocked, the staff are very upset.”
Henry had been with the club about four years.
Mounties said the accused was arrested the same day a parent contacted RCMP claiming his child was touched inappropriately. No other details about the case are being released in order to protect the alleged victim’s identity.
Parents of Langley Gymnastics students said they’re stunned by the allegations.
“It’s obviously devastating,” one mother said outside the facility. “Kids and people that live [here] use this place all the time.”
Cpl. Holly Marks said investigators aren’t ruling out the possibility of other alleged victims, and are encouraging parents to speak with their kids.
“If you get a feeling that there might have been something inappropriate, our recommendation would be for you to call the RCMP and have somebody who’s trained in child interviewing conduct the interview,” Marks said.
Mounties said Henry has been cooperating with investigators. He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court Friday.
With a report from CTV Vancouver’s Michele Brunoro
