Former Young Canadians staffer Philip Heerema pleads guilty mid-trial to 8 teen sex abuse charges

Former Young Canadians staffer Philip Heerema has pleaded guilty to eight sex abuse charges, admitting to victimizing teen boys who once considered him a friend, father figure and mentor.

The convictions include the offences of sexual assault, sexual exploitation, child pornography and luring.

• Teen testifies he felt 'ashamed' after sending nude photo to ex-Young Canadians staffer Philip Heerema

The 55-year-old admitted to using hisposition with the performance group to turn his friendships with the senior male singers and dancers into sexualrelationships.

The pleas came mid-trial and involved six victims. One offencedates back to 1992, the othersspan a nine-year period, from 2005 to 2014.

Heerema secretly video-taped naked teen

An agreed statement of facts read aloud Tuesday detail Heerema's crimes.

In two cases,Heeremainsist on "checkups" withthe boys at the Young Canadians Studio, during which he would touch their private areas.

"[Onevictim] knewthecheckups were inappropriate but didn't say anything because he was scared that if he told, he wouldn't get into the program the next year."

According to the statement of facts, Heerema paid one of the teens $20 to $50 for "checkups."

Another victim was told by Heerematomasturbatein the shower as part of a "workout plan" designed by the TYC staffer to helpwith the student's fitness and body image.

Heeremathensecretly videotaped it.

Victims felt remorse, guilt

One victimbecame entangled in a physical sexual relationship with Heerema that he felt unable to escape.

The two had oral sex, and participated in mutual masturbation. Heerema even showered the boy's parents with gifts.

"When [the victim] attempted to distance himself from Heerema, Heerema made him feel guilty and remorseful and [thevictim] felt ostracized within TYCsenior male singer group."

"[The victim] did not know how to end thesexual contact between them."

The child pornography charges relate to nude photos sent by the teens at Heerema's request or photos taken of the boys by the offender on his cellphone.

Sentencing hearing in May

The Young Canadiansperformance group is made up of high-school students whoperform in the Calgary Stampede grandstand show every year.Heeremawas with the group for 36 years, beginning when he was a teenage performer and later as an employee.

The Calgary Stampede has saidHeeremapasseda background check before starting with the Young Canadians.A psychiatric report will be preparedbefore a sentencing hearing, which has been set for May.

Defence lawyer Allan Fay and prosecutorMartha O'Connor have indicated to Court of Queen's Bench JusticeLarryAckerlthey willmake a joint submission on sentence.

Heeremais allowed to remain on bail pending the sentencing hearing.