Ottawa Police Search for More Victims After Soccer Coach Charged

Ottawa Police are appealing for potential additional victims to come forward after laying multiple charges against a man who coached children's soccer across the city for years.

According to the Ottawa Police Service, Raul San Martin Salas, 62, is facing several charges tied to alleged offences dating back to 2015. The charges include sexual assault, sexual interference involving a person under 16, sexual exploitation of a young person, and offences involving electronic communication and sexually explicit material.

Police say Salas coached children's soccer throughout Ottawa for a number of years, working with both sanctioned and unsanctioned clubs in the city. Investigators believe there could be additional victims or incidents connected to the case, and are asking anyone with information to contact Ottawa Police.

The news was first brought to wider attention by local Instagram account @shottawa.tv, which shared the Ottawa Police Service's request for information and noted police "fear there could be MORE victims." The account's post has drawn significant attention and concern from the Ottawa community, with many parents of young athletes in the city's soccer scene among those reacting.

It's an unsettling development for Ottawa families involved in minor soccer, a sport with deep roots across the city's community leagues, from the Ottawa South United fields to smaller neighbourhood clubs. Parents whose children played on teams coached by Salas, even years ago, may want to watch for updates from police as the investigation continues.

It's important to note these are allegations. The charges against Salas have not been proven in court, and he is presumed innocent unless and until a court finds otherwise. Ottawa Police have not detailed exactly which clubs or programs were involved, and this article does not identify any alleged victims.

Anyone with information related to this investigation, or anyone who believes they may have information about additional incidents, is encouraged to contact the Ottawa Police Service directly. Those affected can also reach out to victim services for support.

ottown will continue to follow this story as Ottawa Police release further details.

Source: Instagram @shottawa.tv