A teacher and volleyball coach connected to the school community in the metro region, charged with sexual assault, made a brief court appearance today.
Thirty-two-year-old Markus Hicks of Trail’s End Drive in Paradise was arrested yesterday as part of an ongoing investigation, after police received information on August 23, that someone had set up fake profiles to arrange sexual acts.
Hicks is currently facing one count of sexual assault against one man alleged to have occurred on or between April 8 and May 31 of this year.
Hicks, with a prominent bandage on his neck, appeared in court this morning to hear the charge.
A Trail’s End home was seized by police in connection with the investigation and a search was carried out last week.
Police allege that fictitious identities, social media apps and concealment were used to arrange sexual activity.
RNC Constable James Cadigan says the investigation remains active.
The RNC are encouraging anyone who communicated with Isabella Ricci, username bellaricci4, or Corinne Smith, username smittycor15, to come forward. Those with information will be put in contact directly with the investigative team who the Constabulary says is focused on safety, well-being and use a trauma-informed approach.
Constable Cadigan says Hicks was employed as a teacher and is involved in the volleyball community in the province. He was named as a finalist for the Official of the Year Award with Sport NL in 2018, and was a member of the NL Volleyball Association.
Cadigan says investigators believe that more people were contacted through fictitious accounts.
“We’re not ruling anything out” he told reporters today “we’re continuing to seek information and follow leads.” He says they do believe more people were contacted.
Meanwhile, the Department of Education says it takes any such allegation very seriously but is unable to comment on the case while a police investigation is underway.
The department does say that education psychologists and counsellors are at schools to assist students and staff “wherever possible.”
The department is monitoring the situation, and further supports will be made available as required.
From the RNC:
The Journey Project, an initiative of the Public Legal Information Association of NL and the NL Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre, is a reliable support for survivors of sexual violence. Legal Support Navigators are available to help survivors navigate the justice system. Please visit The Journey Project to learn more.
Anyone experiencing anxiety or crisis as a result of this information, please contact the Mental Health Crisis Line at 8-1-1. In addition, the RNC Mental Health Mobile Crisis Response Team will respond to a crisis where and when it occurs, and can be contacted at 709-729-8000. In the event of an emergency always call 9-1-1.
Parents and guardians should be aware that this investigation may create anxiety in children and youth who use various social media platforms. The RNC recommends taking this opportunity to discuss the associated risks of sharing personal and private information online. Everyone should be wary about speaking with people online that you do not know personally. Pictures and profiles can be fictitious and the person you are speaking with may not be who they seem to be. Please report suspicious activity and people to the RNC.
Earlier Story
A teacher and volleyball coach who has worked with students has been arrested and charged with sexual assault as part of an ongoing investigation.
RNC say 32-year-old Markus Hicks has been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation after police received information on August 23 that someone had set up fake profiles to arrange sexual acts.
Police seized a home in Paradise in connection with the ongoing investigation, and a search was carried out.
Hicks was arrested yesterday and charged with sexual assault. He made a brief court appearance today.
Police allege that fictitious identities, social media apps and concealment were used to arrange sexual activity.
The RNC are encouraging anyone who communicated with Isabella Ricci, username bellaricci4, or Corinne Smith, username smittycor15, to come forward. Those with information will be put in contact directly with the investigative team who the Constabulary says is focused on safety, well-being and use a trauma-informed approach.
BREAKING || 32-year-old Markus Hicks of Paradise appears in provincial court charged with sexual assault in connection with a sexual violence investigation on the Northeast Avalon involving use of fake identities and social media accounts to arrange sex acts. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/Fwgxrh9Cn9
— Brian Callahan (@briancallahan67) September 7, 2023
