Volleyball coach, teacher Markus Hicks pleads not guilty in large sexual violence case
CBC
A St. John's teacher and volleyball coach who police say used fictitious identities online to lure youth and adults into sex acts has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.
Markus Hicks, 32, entered the pleas in relation to over 150 sexual violence charges when his case was called in provincial court Thursday.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary launched its investigation in late August 2023. In an update provided by police in March, the force said it has unearthed tens of thousands of images and videos dating back 15 years.
It appears as though police believe there may be more alleged victims who may not yet have come forward.
The RNC wrote a letter to the Newfoundland and Labrador Volleyball Association dated March 27 outlining its investigation and included 27 social media handles that it believes Hicks used to conceal his identity.
"The RNC wishes to provide all members of the NLVA with information to allow them to make an informed decision regarding any connection they may have to the investigation involving Markus Hicks," the letter read.
The letter, signed by Const. Tara Lynch, said the investigation began when police learned of inappropriate behaviour by a coach/referee from the association toward players, including those under the age of 18.
"This contact often resulted in individuals sending nude photos, engaging in sexual activities which may have been unknowingly recorded, or in certain instances, an in-person meeting where Markus Hicks would conceal his identity," the letter read.
Police said Hicks communicated with people from all over the province including men and women ranging in age from youth to adults.
Hicks has been continuously racking up more charges while he has been in custody, with the RNC laying an additional 63 charges in March specific to 10 complaints.
According to police, Hicks used social media platforms Snapchat, Facebook and MSN Messenger, BeReal, FetLife, Tinder, Grindr and Skype.
In addition to coaching, Hicks was a substitute teacher in Paradise for the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District.
Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Click here to visit our landing page.
Two years after Calgary city council held its longest public hearing in the city's history, another marathon session began on Monday to tackle the same contentious subject: blanket rezoning.
Quebec resident Antoine Forest was one of the pilots killed in the Sunday night crash at New York's LaGuardia airport, according to Radio-Canada sources.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford's cellphone records took centre stage as the provincial legislature resumed sitting Monday for the first time since December, with the opposition accusing the premier of having something to hide.
The P.E.I. Museum and Heritage Foundation hosted its annual heritage awards, recognizing Islanders who help maintain the island's culture and traditions.
A new independent review of Yukon’s education system is receiving pushback from advocates.
The RCMP has not recruited enough new officers or effectively assigned its members to meet its operational needs, according to a new report from the auditor general — raising concerns about public safety across the country.
Oil prices fell Monday morning after President Donald Trump said the U.S. would hold off on striking Iran’s energy infrastructure amid productive talks between the two countries.
Premier Doug Ford says his government plans to give Toronto's Billy Bishop Airport special designation that would allow the province to bypass municipal and provincial laws as it pushes to expand the runway downtown.
Jenelle Hughes says she worries every time her two older children take their car to get to Fanshawe College in London, Ont., from their home in Dutton.
Oil prices fell Monday morning after President Donald Trump said the U.S. would hold off on striking Iran’s energy infrastructure amid productive talks between the two countries.
While spring technically started late last week, Newfoundland and Labrador isn't free from winter weather just yet.
The Sudbury School Bus Consortium is suspending all school buses in Greater Sudbury as the community continues to clean up following a major storm.
Two large corporate landlords owning a combined 9,008 rental units in Halifax are reporting smaller annual increases in their average rents for 2025 than the previous year.