Student sexually exploited: fallen basketball coach will plead guilty

A fallen basketball coach accused of sexually exploiting a student at his high school cut short his trial, which was to begin Monday, by announcing that he will plead guilty even if it could expose him to a heavy sentence.

• Also read: Sexually exploited in high school: the ex-coach completely denies any illegal behavior

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“At the time, he was head coach of the youngest team, but he remained present [auprès de la victime] through the years,” explained M^e Jérôme Laflamme, this Monday at the Montreal courthouse.

Standing in front of the judge, Charles-Xavier Boislard, 45, did not say a word, leaving his lawyer, M^e Eddy Ménard, confirm that he intended to recognize certain facts which will lead to his guilt. This hearing should be held Tuesday morning.

This means that Boislard’s alleged victim should not have to testify about the crimes she allegedly suffered while studying at Saint-Laurent high school, in the borough of the same name.

Two coaches, one victim

According to the Crown’s evidence, the complainant, from a disadvantaged background, had fallen under the influence of Boislard around the 2010s. Except that he was not the only one who allegedly abused her. Daniel Lacasse, also a basketball coach, would have done the same.

“My mother struggled to put food on the table. And I placed him on a pedestal, the young woman said at his trial. I had no one else, I was dependent on him to survive.”

The arrest of the two coaches in 2022, in addition to a third, Robert Luu, aged 34, created a shock wave at the Marguerite-Bourgeoys School Service Center.

An investigation by the Ministry of Education then lifted the veil on a harmful climate among the basketball players at this school, with inappropriate behavior that no one reported.

In Boislard’s case, we still do not know the details of the facts he plans to admit to this Tuesday, because it is not clear whether the victim was 16 or 17 years old at the time.

“The relationship of trust [entre l’accusé et la plaignante] is established,” however assured the defense.

Once Boislard has admitted facts in the case, the parties have already announced that they will request the preparation of a sexological report, among other things, in order to help the judge when he has to impose his sentence.