Latvian State Police (VP) has asked the prosecution office to commence prosecution of a volleyball coach for a serious crime of a sexual nature against a 14-year-old student. The most severe punishment for this crime in Latvia is a life sentence.
In April 2023 police received information about an adult man kissing an underage girl in a public transport in Riga. Police were dispatched immediately. Law enforcers then identified the involved persons and that the girl was only 14 years old, as reported by VP Public Relations Office.
Journalists found out the man in question was teaching beach volleyball in Riga.
Police commenced criminal procedures over lewd acts with a minor. On the next day the 1983-born suspect was detained. The investigation later revealed that the two aforementioned persons were volleyball trainer and his student.
Police also found out that the two previously had sexual relations.
It was also discovered during the investigation that the man
has a clear sexual desire towards minors.
During a search in the man’s home police found data storage devices with child pornography on them. The man had also asked the most recent victim to send hum nude photos of herself.
Initially the man was put under arrest. However, two months later the security measure was switched to prohibition on leaving the country and providing coaching services to minors. On the 13th of November the criminal case was sent to Riga Eastern Prosecution Office to commence criminal prosecution.
The man is to be charged with seducing a girl into sexual acts, convincing her to produce pornographic materials, and distribution of child pornography. He will also be charged with sexual assault and three counts of rape.
The punishments for these criminal acts are severe: rape of a person that has not reached the age of 16 is punishable with a 10 to 20 years in prison or a life sentence. Sexual violence, too, is punishable with either life sentence or deprivation of freedom for 10 to 20 years.
Also read: Do police intend to use “last warning” approach to protect a teenager from an adult man?
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