The RNC confirm that a number of people have reached out following the recent arrest of a teacher and volleyball coach facing a single charge of sexual assault.
RNC Constable James Cadigan says it’s too early to say at this time whether more charges will be laid as the investigation continues.
Thirty-two-year-old Markus Hicks, who most recently taught at Waterford Valley High in St. John’s, was arrested on Wednesday following the seizure and search of a home on Trail’s End in Paradise last week.
He made a brief appearance in court yesterday to answer to a single charge of sexual assault against an adult male.
RNC say fictitious identities, social media apps and concealment were used to arrange sexual activity and they encouraged anyone who communicated with two accounts in particular to contact police. Those accounts are Isabella Ricci, username bellaricci4, or Corinne Smith, username smittycor15.
Constable Cadigan says the RNC is using a trauma-based approach in its interactions with those who may come forward.
In the meantime, Cadigan is urging parents and caregivers to talk to young people and children about internet safety and interacting with strangers via social media or apps.
He says it’s easy to be added or receive contact from someone you may not know, but allowing that add or allowing that person into your friend group on social media allows them to gain information about you, “and essentially develop the ability to communicate with you in a way that makes you feel that they know you.”
He cautions against sharing images, data or information with someone you don’t know, because once it’s gone, it’s gone and you have no control over how it’s used.