Teacher, coach Markus Hicks pleads not guilty to most of the 150 charges he’s facing
Police send provincial volleyball association members a memo with information on some allegations
As St. John’s-area teacher and coach Markus Hicks pleaded not guilty Thursday morning, April 4, to most of his 150 charges of sexual violence, volleyball players and their parents across the province received a memo from police with details of some of the allegations.
The letter from the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, dated March 27, was forwarded to members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Volleyball Association through the organization on April 4.
It indicated police had been made aware last August of inappropriate behaviour by a coach toward players, some of whom were youth.
RECORDINGS
“Through the investigative process, police have learned that Markus Hicks contacted individuals through social media, and other virtual messenger applications, typically using a pseudonym, and concealing his true identity,” wrote Const. Tara Lynch of the RNC’S Criminal Investigation Division.
“This contact often resulted in individuals sending nude photos, engaging in sexual activities which may have been unknowingly recorded, or in certain instances, an in-person meeting where Markus Hicks would conceal his identity.”
Police were providing this information to members of the volleyball association, Lynch wrote, “to allow them to make an informed decision regarding any connection they may have to the investigation involving Markus Hicks.”
PLEADED GUILTY
Hicks, 32, appeared in a provincial courtroom in St. John’s Thursday by video from the correctional facility in Bishop’s Falls, where he has been in custody since his arrest last fall.
His list of charges has grown as the police investigation continues, and he currently has 150 charges related to 24 complainants, many of them youth.
Among his alleged offences: sexual assault, child pornography offences, child luring, sexual exploitation, wearing a disguise with the intent to commit a crime, and breach of trust by a public officer.
Hicks’ most recent 63 charges were laid a month ago, and he has yet to enter a plea to them.
Hicks pleaded not guilty and elected to be tried by a provincial court judge. His trials are set to begin at the end of the year.
INVESTIGATION STILL ACTIVE
RNC media relations officer Const. James Cadigan told The Telegram Thursday the investigation involving Hicks is still active, and police sent the memo to members of the volleyball association as a way to ensure players and their families can receive support if they want or need it.
“Any time we speak with complainants, we’re aware of the psychological impacts of the situation, and we know this can be greater on children than adults, and can include future impacts,” Cadigan said.
“RNC officers who interview youth are completely and specifically trained to support their well-being as we carry out these investigations.”
That includes connecting families to professional resources in the community related to mental-health care, he said.
TWO DOZEN FAKE IDENTITIES
Police believe Hicks used more than two dozen fake identities and social media accounts across multiple platforms — including Snapchat, Facebook, MSN Messenger, Tinder, Grindr, Skype, Bereal and Fetlife — to communicate with people across the province and arrange sexual acts.
Investigators have reportedly uncovered tens of thousands of files related to the investigation, dating back at least 15 years.
The RNC has established a specific email address — trust@rnc.gov.nl.ca — to accept tips related to their investigation of Hicks.