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The San Jose police have arrested former San Jose Junior Sharks coach Kevin Whitmer for lewd and lascivious acts with a minor. According to investigators, Whitmer was arrested in Denver, Colo. on Nov. 2.
Police say on Nov. 1, detectives with the San Jose Police Department’s (SJPD) Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) began investigating a crime involving a minor and soon identified Whitmer as the prime suspect. Investigators say that the assaults occurred at the Sharks Ice Rink and at Whitmer’s temporary home in San Jose.
Whitmer served as the former head coach of a AAA team with the San Jose Jr. Sharks. He is also the former Assistant Head Coach for the Colorado Thunderbirds.
Whitmer was booked in Denver and charged with lewd and lascivious acts with a minor and possession of child pornography.
The Sharks Sports & Entertainment released the following statement following the arrest:
“We were made aware that a former Jr. Sharks youth hockey coach has been arrested by the San Jose Police Department. 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. All of the coaches in our youth programs are pre-screened and SafeSport Certified as required by the governing body USA Hockey, and undergo a criminal background check. The safety and well-being of all of our youth participants and their families is our top priority and we intend to cooperate fully and completely with any investigation into this matter.”
Anyone with information about this case or similar cases is asked to contact Detective Zanotto #3657 of SJPD’s Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce. The detective can be reached via email at 3657@sanjoseca.gov or by phone at (408) 900-6564. You can also contact Sergeant Pierce at (408) 537-1397 or 3415@sanjoseca.gov.
People wishing to remain anonymous can use the P3TIPS mobile app or call the tip line at (408) 947-STOP.
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