An Edmonton man who volunteered with minor hockey players has been charged with sexually assaulting a teenage boy.
The Edmonton Police Service arrested 52-year-old Stephen Frank Dienes last week, following an investigation that started Sept. 10.
EPS alleges Dienes used social media to befriend a 16-year-old boy in 2022, and later that year, he assaulted the teen in his home.
“Investigators are concerned that other young males may have also been lured via social media and then sexually assaulted,” EPS said in a statement.
Photos of Dienes from now-deleted social media accounts show him in a sheriff’s uniform and a person by the name is listed as a sheriff in the Alberta government directory.
Stephen Dienes is accused of sexual assault and sexual interference against a 16-year-old boy. (Edmonton Police Service)
Alberta Ministry of Public Safety and Emergency Services communications director Sheena Campbell confirmed that a member of the Alberta Sheriffs has been arrested by EPS.
Campbell said the active investigation and employee privacy concerns prevent her from commenting further.
“As an employer, the Government of Alberta is following our standard protocols to ensure a comprehensive review of the matter can occur,” she said.
Dienes is charged with sexual assault, sexual exploitation and unlawful confinement.
A person by the same name is publicly listed online as a trainer on the St. Albert U18 AAA team roster in previous tournaments and minor hockey seasons.
EPS announced the charges on Sept. 18, and in a statement, a Hockey Alberta spokesperson said the organization learned that same day of charges laid against someone who volunteered in their hockey programs, including with some of their member minor hockey associations.
“This individual is no longer affiliated with Hockey Alberta. We have not been notified by police that the allegations are connected to hockey-related activities,” the statement says.
“We remain committed to the safety and well-being of all our participants. We take such matters seriously and will provide any assistance to the police investigation that they deem necessary.”
Police are asking anyone with information to report to come forward,
Dienes is set to appear in court on Oct. 22.