AS a result of an investigation into historical sexual offence allegations, the New Westminster Police Department’s Major Crime Unit has arrested Ronald Veit, a 58-year-old resident of Surrey, who has been charged with the following offences:

• Sexual interference between September 2008 and May 2010, at or near Langley, Surrey, New Westminster, Coquitlam, and Burnaby, British Columbia;
• Sexual exploitation between May 2010 and May 2012, at or near Langley, Surrey, New Westminster, Coquitlam, and Burnaby, British Columbia; and
• Sexual assaault between September 2008 and May 2012, at or near Langley, Surrey, New Westminster, Coquitlam, and Burnaby, British Columbia.

Police said that while charges have been laid, the allegations have not been proven and the matter is currently before the courts.

Veit is the former goalie coach for the Coquitlam Express.

The Coquitlam Express Hockey Club said in a post on its Facebook:

“The Coquitlam Express has been made aware that goalie coach Ron Veit has been charged by the New Westminster Police Department. Upon learning of these charges, the organization immediately terminated Mr. Veit’s employment. He is no longer affiliated with the Coquitlam Express in any capacity.

“While these charges are not related to his time with our organization, the safety and well-being of our players, families, and community remains our highest priority.

“These charges are new and were not detectable through a Criminal Record Check, which all staff members are required to submit.

“As this matter is before the courts, the organization will not be providing further comment at this time.”

The New Westminster Police Department said it provides a victim-centered approach and a trauma-informed practice; the Major Crime Unit is working closely with the Victim Assistance Unit on this file.

“We encourage anyone with information that can assist in our ongoing investigation to come forward,” said Sgt. Andrew Leaver. “We understand the challenges victims face in reporting such incidents and want to reassure the public that we take these matters very seriously and resources and support are available.”

Ronald Veit has been released from court with numerous conditions. These conditions include: not to possess weapons of any kind, and not to volunteer with persons under 18. Ronald Veit must not contact or communicate with persons under the age of 18 unless in the presence of their parent or guardian or in the course of commercial interaction in a public place or skating rink. Additionally, Ronald Veit must not attend parks, community centres, schools, or playgrounds with the exception of skating rinks where he may continue to coach hockey in the presence of other adults.

Anyone with further information is asked to contact the New Westminster Police Department Major Crime Unit at 604-529-2430.