Calgary man with ties to youth basketball charged with child sex abuse

A Calgary man with ties to youth basketball has been charged with several offences related to child sex abuse after a two-month investigation by police.

It is alleged Junny Gallaza, 59, sexually assaulted a 15-year-old boy multiple times between June 2018 and June 2019 at Gallaza's home, police said at a news conference in Calgary Thursday morning.

Theinvestigation began in early June after the boysaidhe had inappropriate sexual contact with the accused.A friend of the victim notified his school, which in turn alerted police.

Gallazavolunteered with Keepers' Club International and primarily drove boys to and from games, events and tournaments, according to police.

They say Gallazapurchased gifts such as electronics, shoes and clothingfor the boy and acted as acoachand mentor.

Gallaza is charged with one count each of invitation to sexual touching, sexual interference, sexual assault, sexual exploitation and obtaining sexual services for consideration.

May be additional victims, police say

Staff Sgt. John Guigon said Gallaza has been in the Calgary area for 15 years, living in B.C.'s Lower Mainland for 10 years prior to that.

"Additional victims are always a consideration in investigations like this," saidStaff Sgt. John Guigon. "If people believe they're victims of Mr. Gallaza, we'd really like to hear from them."

Guigon said Keepers' Club International has cooperated with the investigation and is not believed to have had any knowledge of the alleged abuse.

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact Det. Amy Spence at 403-428-5457or to leave tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

Gallazahas been released with multiple conditions and is set to appear in court on Aug. 21.

The Calgary Police Service'schild abuse unit has investigated 372 cases so far this year, compared to 657 cases in 2018,Guigon said.

On average, 34 per centof those victims are boys, 64 per cent are girlsand twoper cent are transgender.