Mounties have appealed for any potential victims to come forward after a South Okanagan ex-lifeguard was charged with sexually assaulting children and possessing child pornography.
Edward Casavant, 54, of Penticton was arrested on Wednesday and has been charged with 10 counts relating to incidents from between 2008 and 2014.
Casavant, also known as “Eddie Spaghetti”, worked as a lifeguard at a Summerland recreational facility for more than 30 years.
Photo credit: RCMP
The RCMP has accused him of using his position to “gain access” to schoolchildren.
He also volunteered as a lifeguard at local summer camps and community events.
Casavant is charged with:
- 2 counts of making or publishing child pornography
- 1 count of importing or distributing child pornography
- 1 count of possession of child pornography
- 1 count of accessing child pornography
- 1 count of secretly observe/record nudity in private place
- 1 count of sexual exploitation of a person with a disability
- 1 count of sexual assault
- 1 count of sexual interference of person under 16
- 1 count of Invitation to sexual touching under 16
The RCMP has released his photograph in an attempt to identify more victims.
Cpl. Chris Manseau explained: “While we have identified at least two victims, we strongly believe there are additional victims who may not have already reported, or may not be aware they are a victim.
“We are asking anyone who believes that they, or someone they know, had contact with Casavant to report to their police of jurisdiction, or to call the Penticton RCMP tip line at (250) 276-2177.”
The District of Summerland also released the following statement about Casavant:
We are aware that Ed Casavant has been arrested and charged. Mr. Casavant worked as a lifeguard and aquatic centre supervisor for over 30 years. He retired in late 2018.
The charges are extremely serious and unsettling, and we condemn the actions of anyone found guilty of such crimes. In the meantime, we must trust the justice system to undertake a thorough process.
Mayor Toni Boot states: “We recognize this situation is deeply upsetting to our community – to any community. It’s upsetting to us as well. We know people will have questions, and we will do our best to answer them when it is appropriate and when we have the authorities’ permission to do so.
“Our focus is on ensuring those impacted by these alleged incidents get the help they need, and ensuring this sort of thing can’t happen again.
“We want all Summerland residents and visitors to know that public safety, and particularly the safety and well-being of our children, matters most. We will do everything in our power to provide municipal facilities where people can feel comfortable, safe and free from harm or discrimination.”
Because the case is now before the courts, we are unable to comment further on the specifics of the case at this time.
