The Central Alberta Buccaneers have released defensive back Tyson Dichrow from the team’s roster after he was charged with sexual assault and several counts of child luring.
The team made the announcement on both Facebook and Twitter on Wednesday afternoon, citing “criminal charges of a serious nature” as the reason for his release.
“The decision was made to release Mr. Dichrow from the team roster and sever all ties with him, effective immediately,” the announcement said. “No further comment will be made at this time.
“Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.”
Dichrow, 24, was arrested in Sundre, Alta. on Feb. 3 after a school contacted RCMP about a Snapchat message of sexual nature that had been sent to a student.
The student, who is underage, shared the photo with her parents, who in turn reported it to the school, who alerted the police Jan. 30.
An investigation by RCMP and the Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit revealed explicit messages and photos had been sent to several underage girls, all of whom had been befriended by an adult man on social media platforms.
RCMP say the messages progressed to sexual contact.
Dichrow faces 14 charges, including two counts each of sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, child luring, making sexually explicit material available to a child, and possession of child pornography. He was also charged with sexual assault and the trafficking of marijuana.
Dichrow has been released from custody with numerous conditions. He is to have no contact with the victims or any female under the age of 16 unless a responsible adult is present. He is also barred from any daycare, school grounds, playground, community centre or other places where children under the age of 16 can be expected unless a responsible adult is present.
He is scheduled to appear in provincial court in Didsbury, Alta. on Feb. 26.
“Allegations such as this are of great concern to the community and to police,” said Sundre RCMP Cpl. Karl Mandel in a release.
“Anyone who things that they may also have been a victim of this type of offence should contact the Sundre RCMP or their local police.”
Those with information on the crimes are asked to contact either the Sundre RCMP at (403)638-3675 or their local police. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com.