Basketball coach accused of sexual assault
CALGARY — A Calgary man with ties to a youth basketball initiative has been charged with sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy he coached and sponsored.
Police began investigating in June after a friend of the teen alerted authorities.
Officers say the man had purchased several personal items for the teen and gave him transportation to and from events as part of Keepers’ Club International.
“Our information indicates he was a volunteer with this basketball team, so he did some mentorship, some sponsorship and some coaching,” Sgt. John Guigon told reporters Thursday.
“Primarily, he drove the kids to and from basketball practices, games, tournaments.”
Police allege the boy was sexually assaulted at the man’s Calgary home on several occasions over one year, starting in June 2018.
Junny Gallaza, who is 59, was arrested Wednesday.
Guigon said there could be other victims who police would like to come forward. He added that Gallaza has lived in Calgary for about 15 years, and before that was in the Vancouver area and Ottawa.
“Additional victims are always a consideration in investigations like this,” he said.
The accused is to appear in court Aug. 21 on charges that also include sexual interference, sexual exploitation, invitation to sexual touching and obtaining sexual services for consideration.
Keepers’ Club International is a youth-oriented organization designed to nurture and develop talents in music and sports, and strengthen values through fellowships and group activities.