Former St. Catharines school cheerleading coach charged in alleged sexual assaults

Police have charged a former St. Catharines high school cheerleading coach accused of sexually assaulting two females nearly 15 years ago.

Niagara police say earlier this year, two separate females reported being sexually assaulted several times by the man — who was their cheerleading coach — between 2009 and 2012.

On Tuesday, officers arrested 42-year-old Derek Ovenden of St. Catharines. He has been charged with sexual assault, sexual interference and four counts of sexual exploitation.

Investigators say Ovenden was a volunteer cheerleading coach at high schools in St. Catharines within the District School Board of Niagara before opening his own cheerleading gym called Cheer Empire Eagles.

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He remains in custody and is scheduled to attend a bail hearing Tuesday at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse in St. Catharines.

Detectives believe that there may be additional sexual assault victims involving Ovenden.

Anyone who wishes to speak to investigators about their experience, or who has information that may assist the investigation, is encouraged to contact the Niagara police’s Sexual Assault Unit at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009336.

To report a tip and remain anonymous please call 289-248-1058.

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