A former St. Albert minor hockey trainer stands accused of luring and sexually assaulting a teen in 2022.
Stephen Frank Dienes, 52, befriended a 16-year-old boy over social media in May 2022 with the intent of engaging in sexual contact, the Edmonton Police Service said Wednesday, Sept. 18.
“Dienes then reportedly sexually assaulted the youth later that same year in his residence,” a press release reads.
Investigators have reason to believe there may be other victims and are urging them to come forward to police.
“Most importantly, we want to remind anyone who has been victimized by Dienes: it is not your fault,” Det. Brian McGuigan, EPS Sexual Assault Section, said in the release.
“We are here to help.”
Dienes joined the AAA U18 St. Albert Raiders as a trainer in 2018, according to a now-deleted post on X, formerly Twitter, linked to by Global News.
He was with the team until at least the end of 2022, when Hockey Alberta named him to the staff of their 2023 Spring Showcase. According to their website, he served as a trainer for Alberta Black, one of the squads that competed in that year’s Alberta Cup, which features prospects vying to play for Team Alberta.
"Congratulations to @RaidersAAA trainer Stephen Dienes for being selected to @HockeyAlberta ABCup staff roster," the Dec. 6, 2022 tweet reads. "The boys will be in good hands. #Stevoooooo #RaiderPride."
Police began their investigation on Sept. 10 of this year. Dienes is charged with sexual assault, unlawful confinement and sexual exploitation. He is scheduled to appear in court next on Oct. 22.
Anyone who believes they have been victimized by Dienes is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.