The alleged crimes occurred in 2021 and 2022, San Jose Police officials said.

“Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Whitmer and a search warrant for his home in Denver. On Nov. 2, authorities arrested Whitmer in Denver and booked him into jail on charges of lewd and lascivious acts with a minor and possession of child pornography,” the Mercury News reported.

Law enforcement officials from San Jose and Colorado Springs worked in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to arrest Whitmer in Denver.

Sharks Sports & Entertainment confirmed having learned about Whitmer’s arrest on Friday and issued the following statement:

“This individual has not coached in our program since May 2023 and none of these extremely serious allegations were brought forth to our organization while he was involved with the program,” the company said.

The company said coaches are pre-screened and “SafeSport Certified,” as required by the governing body USA Hockey, according to the Mercury News. “Coaches also undergo criminal background checks,” the company added.

San Jose Police are urging anyone who may have information related to a sex crime committed by former youth hockey coach Kevin Whitmer to contact:

• Detective Zanotto at 3657@sanjoseca.gov or 408-900-6564
• Sergeant Pierce at 408-537-1397 or 3415@sanjoseca.gov

Whitmer’s mugshot was released in a San Jose Police Press release:

Suspect Kevin Whitmer, IN-CUSTODY

Anonymous crime tips can be submitted by using the P3TIPS mobile app, or by calling the tip line at 408-947-STOP. If the information you submit leads to an arrest, you are eligible for a cash reward from the Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers Program, the SJPD press release confirmed.

How Prevalent is Sexual Abuse in American Youth Sports?

Sadly, youth sports sexual abuse occurs regularly throughout the United States. Here in California, numerous coaches have recently been arrested for child sex crimes:

• Former Birmingham High School trainer Richard Turner was arrested on 15 counts of sex abuse involving at least 10 survivors.
• A Redlands Youth Soccer coach was arrested for having sex with a 14-year-old former player in the backseat of his car.
• A Los Angeles high school basketball coach was arrested for sexual assault of a minor.
• A Riverside youth basketball coach was arrested for after being accused of sexually abusing one of his underage female players.

Child Youth Sports Sex Abuse Statistics

ChildHelp.org confirms the following statistics on sexual abuse in youth sports:

• Abuse occurs in all types of organized youth sports.
• Studies indicate 40% to 50% of athletes have experienced anything from mild harassment to severe abuse.
• Research suggests that sexual abuse in sports impacts between 2% to 8% of all athletes.
• 90% of child sexual abuse victims know the perpetrator in some way.
• Indicators of possible abuse in sports include (but are not limited to): missing practices, illness, loss of interest, withdrawal and a child performing significantly below his/her abilities.
• Child abuse occurs at every socio-economic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions and at all levels of education. When people think “not in our school’s athletic program; not in this religious league; not amongst my people; and not on a team in this neighborhood,” they contribute to a culture of denial where predators are protected.

Additionally, an international study from World Athletics revealed the following statistics on sexual abuse in youth sports:

• 65% of adults (aged 18-30) reported experiencing psychological violence as children.
• 44% reported experiencing physical violence inside sport as children.
• Neglect was experienced by 37% of respondents.
• 35% reported experiencing non-contact sexual violence.
• 20% reported contact sexual violence.
• The prevalence of interpersonal violence against children is lowest for respondents in recreational sport (68%) and highest for those who competed in international sport (84%).
• Children belonging to ethic minority groups are significantly more likely to experience abuse at 76.9%.
• Figures for each form of interpersonal violence were broadly similar across countries, suggesting the problem is not unique to one country.

Legal Help for Victims of Youth Sports Sexual Abuse

For a confidential and free consultation with a Dordulian Law Group (DLG) San Jose, California, youth sports sexual abuse lawyer, call 866-GO-SEE-SAM today.

Our team is led by Sam Dordulian, a former sex crimes prosecutor and Deputy District attorney for Los Angeles County with over 100 jury trial victories. Sam has obtained life sentences for some of the worst local sexual predators, and today he fights in civil court for justice on behalf of youth sport sex abuse survivors.

Our Sexual Assault Justice Experts are here to help survivors secure justice. Contact our top-rated attorneys online or by phone for a free consultation today.

DLG has the experience and results that you need to pursue your youth sports sexual abuse claim for justice with confidence. Our clients have recovered more than $200,000,000.00 in settlements and jury verdicts, and we have maintained a winning record of 98%.

Get the justice you and your family deserve for a San Jose hockey coach sexual abuse claim today.