Credits: HEATHER WRIGHT/THIS WEEK/QMI AGENCY
VANCOUVER -- A former Vancouver lifeguard has been charged after police received a tip on sexual assaults carried out on boys dating back four decades.
Abraham Kiewiet, 70, faces 10 counts of “indecent assault on a male” and “gross indecency.” Police said he was at the Vancouver parks department as a lifeguard, was a swim coach for the YMCA and an instructor at the Vancouver Lifeguard School during the time of the alleged assaults.
So far, four victims have come forward since police launched the investigation in June. Kiewiet was subsequently arrested at his Vancouver home.
Online court records show charges stemmed from allegations on four different dates, three of them on New Year’s Day, between 1971 and 1979.
The victims who have come forward to police were between 11 and 17 years old at the time.
“We believe there are other victims out there,” Sgt. Randy Fincham said. “For a case like this, as it’s being 30 years old, the investigation is challenging and there are obstacles.”
Kiewiet was sworn in in Vancouver provincial court Thursday and was released from custody with conditions. They include not seeking any employment where he’s in a position of trust over a minor, not to be in any public place with minors, and not to possess weapons.
Police added they don’t believe he’s a flight risk because the allegations were from so long ago.
Vancouver Park Board, in a statement, called the charges “very troubling,” and said it would assist the police investigation.
“Our thoughts are with individuals who may have been harmed,” the statement read.
“The Park Board currently has a comprehensive program of policies, practices and monitoring to protect the safety of children and at-risk persons participating in recreation programs.”
No pictures have been released of the accused, but police ask those with information to the case to call 604-717-0618.
Abraham Kiewiet, 70, faces 10 counts of “indecent assault on a male” and “gross indecency.” Police said he was at the Vancouver parks department as a lifeguard, was a swim coach for the YMCA and an instructor at the Vancouver Lifeguard School during the time of the alleged assaults.
So far, four victims have come forward since police launched the investigation in June. Kiewiet was subsequently arrested at his Vancouver home.
Online court records show charges stemmed from allegations on four different dates, three of them on New Year’s Day, between 1971 and 1979.
The victims who have come forward to police were between 11 and 17 years old at the time.
“We believe there are other victims out there,” Sgt. Randy Fincham said. “For a case like this, as it’s being 30 years old, the investigation is challenging and there are obstacles.”
Kiewiet was sworn in in Vancouver provincial court Thursday and was released from custody with conditions. They include not seeking any employment where he’s in a position of trust over a minor, not to be in any public place with minors, and not to possess weapons.
Police added they don’t believe he’s a flight risk because the allegations were from so long ago.
Vancouver Park Board, in a statement, called the charges “very troubling,” and said it would assist the police investigation.
“Our thoughts are with individuals who may have been harmed,” the statement read.
“The Park Board currently has a comprehensive program of policies, practices and monitoring to protect the safety of children and at-risk persons participating in recreation programs.”
No pictures have been released of the accused, but police ask those with information to the case to call 604-717-0618.
