Lethbridge gymnastics coach facing more sexual assault charges
A Lethbridge gymnastics coach accused of sexually assaulting a seven-year-old girl he coached is now facing additional charges.
Jamie Ellacott, 33, was arrested on July 12 and charged with sexual assault and sexual interference.
Lethbridge police say further investigation has identified three more young girls from the same facility, the Lethbridge Gymnastics Academy, who reported being sexually assaulted during sessions in May 2022.
Police say the victims were 10, 12 and 14-years-old.
Officers arrested Ellacott again on Wednesday.
He is now facing three more counts of sexual assault and three more counts of sexual interference.
Mallory Kristjanson is the mother of a student who was enrolled at the camp before the original charges. She pulled her child out of the camp before they attended but is fighting to get a refund.
“Heart broken," she said. "That there's three more children impacted by this man's actions. One was too many.”
“They've actually refused any of my phone calls, they haven't returned any of my phone calls," she added. "Parents who wrote very thorough emails challenging their refund policy have not also had any response back whatsoever."
SUPPORT CHILDREN
“You want to be supportive of anyone who's involved in these cases," said Kristine Cass, the CEO of the Chinook Sexual assault centre. "Again we need to support children when they're coming forward, anyone when they're coming forward that is talking about harms that have been done to them. We have to take them seriously.”
“(There needs to be) two people there when you're in a dressing room especially. We have to touch people when we're doing athletics to show where things like the foot needs to be placed and things like this," she said. "But how you introduce the touch and how you do certain things is quite prescriptive.”
Ellacott was released from custody but must follow several conditions, including not having contact with any of the victims or witnesses.
He is scheduled to appear in court on the new charges on Aug. 31.
Investigators are asking anyone with information on the investigation to call police at 403-328-4444 and reference file 22014303.
With files from Quinn Keenan
Jamie Ellacott, a former gymnastics coach with the Lethbridge Gymnastics Academy, was arrested on July 12 and charged with sexual offences involving a seven-year-old girl. (File)
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Global Affairs reports Canadian killed in Lebanon in connection with Israel-Hamas war
Global Affairs is reporting the death of another Canadian due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. This is the ninth casualty connected to Canada.
This Canadian couple used surrogacy to have a child. Here's what they want you to know
Families that need help conceiving a child are met with financial burdens that should be covered through government health care and insurance, advocates say.
From COVID-19 to alien contact, conspiracy theories are popular in Canada: survey
The Earth is flat. We have been secretly contacted by intelligent beings from other planets. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin did not land on the moon in 1969. They may sound like bizarre statements, but a new poll suggests a sizable number of Canadians believe in these and other conspiracy theories.
Renowned Quebec entrepreneur, partner reported dead in Caribbean
Quebec entrepreneur Daniel Langlois and his spouse Dominique Marchand have died in their adopted home of Dominica, in the Caribbean, a source has confirmed.
Renowned Canadian musician and former April Wine singer Myles Goodwyn dead at 75
Myles Goodwyn, the award-winning Canadian singer and songwriter who shot to stardom as the former lead singer of April Wine, has died at age 75.
Backlash continues following Moncton’s decision to not display the Menorah this year
Outrage seen from the community and across the country online after the news broke Friday that the City of Moncton would not display the Menorah this year.
Canada issues updated travel advisory for Guyana amid border dispute referendum in Venezuela
Amid a referendum that will see Venezuelans asked about the future of a chunk of neighbouring Guyana that Venezuela currently claims ownership over, Canada has adjusted its travel advisory to warn against travelling in Guyana near the border.
Another inmate dead at notoriously harsh Newfoundland jail, officials confirm
An inmate has died at Her Majesty's Penitentiary in Newfoundland, one of the oldest operating provincial jails in the country, officials with the provincial Justice Department confirmed.
Commercial ships hit by missiles in Houthi attack in Red Sea, U.S. warship downs 3 drones
Ballistics missiles fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels struck three commercial ships Sunday in the Red Sea, while a U.S. warship shot down three drones in self-defence during the hourslong assault, the U.S. military said. The Iranian-backed Houthis claimed two of the attacks.
Edmonton
-
Man shot and killed after fight at Sunchild First Nation gas station
A man was shot to death Sunday morning at the Sunchild First Nation gas station.
-
'Inclusion means everyone': Edmonton woman asks city to make communities more accessible
An Edmonton woman wants more done to ensure that community events are accessible for the entire community.
-
Edmonton Oilers help bring 'the spirit up' at holiday dinner for families in need
The Edmonton Oilers spent some time connecting with the community Sunday after practice.
Vancouver
-
Vancouver doctor disappointed by B.C.'s plan for medical assistance in dying at St. Paul's Hospital
Last week, the B.C. government announced it would create a separate clinical space for medical assistance in dying (MAiD) at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, but Dr. Jyothi Jayaraman says that it’s not a compromise.
-
Hundreds of B.C. businesses apply for vandalism fund
More than 600 businesses in B.C. have applied to a provincial rebate program to help prevent and repair damage from vandalism, according to the Ministry of Jobs and Economic Development.
-
'Potent and impactful storm' on the way to B.C.'s South Coast, Vancouver Island
Heavy rainfall is in store for much of southern B.C. starting Monday, when a “potent and impactful storm” is forecast to make landfall, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Atlantic
-
April Wine lead vocalist Myles Goodwyn dead at 75
Myles Goodwyn, lead vocalist, guitarist and principal songwriter for April Wine, passed away after a battle with cancer, according to bandmate and close friend, Jim Henman.
-
Weather statements issued ahead of Sunday night and Monday snowfall
A low pressure system exiting the northeastern United States and then passing by the Atlantic coastline of Nova Scotia will bring a mix of snow and rain to the region Sunday night and Monday.
-
The 60th Annual Christmas Daddies Telethon nets over $600,000 for children in need
The 60th Annual Christmas Daddies Telethon continued its Maritime traditions on Saturday, showcasing various Maritime talents throughout the seven-hour show.
Vancouver Island
-
'Potent and impactful storm' on the way to B.C.'s South Coast, Vancouver Island
Heavy rainfall is in store for much of southern B.C. starting Monday, when a “potent and impactful storm” is forecast to make landfall, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.
-
Vancouver Island couple plans to explore Canada's East Coast after $500K lottery win
A Vancouver Island couple is planning a trip from one side of the country to the other after wining the $500,000 Extra prize on a Lotto 6/49 ticket.
-
Hundreds of B.C. businesses apply for vandalism fund
More than 600 businesses in B.C. have applied to a provincial rebate program to help prevent and repair damage from vandalism, according to the Ministry of Jobs and Economic Development.
Toronto
-
What's Ontario's winter forecast this year? Here's what you need to know
Winter is coming, but what will that look like in Ontario? Well, El Niño could bring on a milder season than usual this year.
-
Mississauga collision sends 3 people to the hospital
Three people were taken to the hospital following a two-car collision on Sunday evening in Mississauga.
-
This Canadian couple used surrogacy to have a child. Here's what they want you to know
Families that need help conceiving a child are met with financial burdens that should be covered through government health care and insurance, advocates say.
Montreal
-
Quebec provincial police take over homicide investigation, victim was acquitted in Hells Angel's murder
Quebec's provincial police force has taken over a Laval, Que. homicide investigation which is now believed to be linked to organized crime.
-
Renowned Quebec entrepreneur, partner reported dead in Caribbean
Quebec entrepreneur Daniel Langlois and his spouse Dominique Marchand have died in their adopted home of Dominica, in the Caribbean, a source has confirmed.
-
April Wine lead vocalist Myles Goodwyn dead at 75
Myles Goodwyn, lead vocalist, guitarist and principal songwriter for April Wine, passed away after a battle with cancer, according to bandmate and close friend, Jim Henman.
Ottawa
-
WINTER STORM WARNINGWINTER STORM WARNING First winter storm of the season to bring 15 cm of snow to Ottawa by Monday afternoon
A winter storm warning is now in effect for the city of Ottawa, with freezing rain and up to 15 cm of snow expected Sunday night and on Monday. The city of Ottawa has issued an on-street parking ban for Monday between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
-
Father-son business in Ottawa raises money for autism support
Tucked in at the 613flea Christmas Market at Carleton University on Sunday was Jonathan Crone and his business Distinctive Woodworking.
-
Watch where you park near the Ottawa Hospital General Campus
A "no-stopping zone" is in effect on a section of the eastern side of Lynda Lane, from Lynda Lane to Smyth Road, between Dec. 1 and March 31.
Kitchener
-
Pedestrian and young child struck while crossing a Kitchener street
A Cambridge man and a young child were taken to hospital Saturday afternoon after being struck by an SUV while crossing a Kitchener street.
-
Toy Mountain continues to grow with donations from Doon Toy Drive
With Christmas quickly approaching, Toy Mountain got a little taller Saturday thanks to the 7th annual Doon Toy Drive in Kitchener.
-
Arrest made in November sexual assault at a Kitchener mall: WRPS
A 24-year-old man was arrested Saturday and charged in connection to a sexual assault police say happened at Fairview Park Mall last month.
Saskatoon
-
Family seeks justice as Saskatchewan Mountie goes to trial for first-degree murder
Brett Herman thinks back fondly on his childhood, running outside his grandfather's house in northern Saskatchewan with his younger brother chasing behind.
-
Saskatoon sisters share the stage in Royal Winnipeg Ballet's 'The Nutcracker'
Blake and Cooper Robinson, sisters united by their passion for ballet, are set to grace the stage together in a rendition of the classic ballet play, The Nutcracker.
-
Sask. refinery fights order to reinstate two workers fired for refusing COVID-19 testing policy
A Regina employer is asking the court to quash a provincial arbitrator’s order to reinstate two employees who were fired for failing to follow the company’s COVID-19 vaccination and testing policy.
Northern Ontario
-
Customers line up for final loaves from Golden Grain after 92 years operating in Sudbury
Long-time business in downtown Sudbury sells its final baked goods to loyal customers before closing its doors for good.
-
What's Ontario's winter forecast this year? Here's what you need to know
Winter is coming, but what will that look like in Ontario? Well, El Niño could bring on a milder season than usual this year.
-
Section of the Sault Canal drained for maintenance
Inspection crews will be spending the next couple of weeks conducting a maintenance check on the bottom of the Sault Ste. Marie Canal.
Winnipeg
-
‘It’s just devastating’: Family and friends remember slain victims in Langside shooting
Dozens of friends and family members gathered outside 143 Langside Street Sunday to remember the lives of their loved ones lost in last week’s deadly shooting.
-
'It's historic': Holiday open house returns to Manitoba Legislature
A long-standing holiday tradition returned to the Manitoba Legislature Saturday.
-
'What Christmas is all about': Bear Clan Patrol launches drive for Winnipeg's homeless
Winnipeg's Bear Clan Patrol has launched its annual donation drive aimed at supporting the city's growing homeless population.
Regina
-
'You knew a hit was coming': Sask. economist reacts to province's $250M deficit following forecasted $1B surplus
A Saskatchewan economics professor says the province's recent news of a deficit was not unexpected. However, the surprise was how much the forecast has dropped since the province's latest budget.
-
Sask. refinery fights order to reinstate two workers fired for refusing COVID-19 testing policy
A Regina employer is asking the court to quash a provincial arbitrator’s order to reinstate two employees who were fired for failing to follow the company’s COVID-19 vaccination and testing policy.
-
A warm meal on the coldest of days, Soup After Dark seeks to address hunger in Regina's downtown
A Regina organization has been working to make sure those in downtown Regina have a hot meal on cold days.
