It's a development that’s shocked local divers, and former Olympians alike, police have arrested an Edmonton-based diving coach on warrants stemming from allegations of sexual offences in B.C.
On Thursday, Edmonton police said renowned diving coach Trevor Palmatier, 43, had been arrested, and was facing two counts of sexual exploitation, and one count of procuring.
The arrest and charges came after police in Saanich, B.C. asked for help from EPS in arresting Palmatier.
The charges stem from allegations by a boy the accused used to coach, who is about 16 or 17-years-old.
It’s alleged the incidents took place between 2004 and 2006, before the coach moved to Edmonton – police first heard of the incidents in March 2013.
“We’ve had two complainants come forward,” Sgt. Steve Eassie with the Saanich Police Department said. “The charges that are before the courts are only related to information from one of the two complainants that have come forward so far.”
Once Palmtier was in Edmonton, he coached with the Edmonton Springboard and Platform Diving Club, but he now runs his own company called Big Dog Diving.
It’s an arrest that shocked divers Palmtier once coached, such as former Olympian Eric Sehn.
“He’s a phenomenal coach and that’s what he’s meant to do,” Sehn said in a phone interview. “As a person, he’s the most kind person you can imagine.”
For now, Palmtier is in custody, the accused will be temporarily remanded in Edmonton, before he’s transported to Saanich.
Edmonton police are also investigating and are asking anyone who may have been victimized, or have more information to contact the Edmonton Police Service non-emergency line at 780-423-4567 or #377 on a mobile phone.
Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
With files from Ashley Molnar
