An Ottawa man who coached children’s soccer across the city has been charged with multiple sexual offences in an investigation involving allegations dating back to 2015. Police are asking anyone with information about possible additional victims or incidents in the Ottawa area to contact investigators.
Raul San Martin Salas, 62, faces charges involving sexual assault, offences against young people, telecommunications and sexually explicit material, Ottawa Police Service said in an Oct. 2 release.
According to police, San Martin coached children’s soccer for many years with a range of sanctioned and unsanctioned clubs throughout Ottawa. The release did not identify the clubs.
The service’s Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit believes there could be other victims or incidents connected to the investigation locally.
Police also released a photograph of the accused. The service said it did so because people who may have been victimized might not know the legal name of the person involved.
Charges announced
The charges listed by police include sexual assault, sexual interference with a person under 16, invitation to sexual touching and sexual exploitation of a young person.
San Martin Salas is also charged with telecommunication with a person under 18 for specific criminal offences and telecommunication with a person under 16 for specific criminal offences.
The remaining charges listed in the release concern making sexually explicit material available to a person under 18 for specific criminal offences, and making sexually explicit material available to a person under 16 for specific criminal offences.
How to contact investigators
Anyone with information can reach the Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit by calling 613-236-1222, extension 5944, or emailing SACA@ottawapolice.ca.
Police also provided an anonymous reporting option through Crime Stoppers. Tips can be submitted by calling the toll-free number 1-800-222-8477 or visiting crimestoppers.ca.
