SAN JOSE – A former youth hockey coach for the San Jose Jr. Sharks was arrested last week in Denver on suspicion of sexually assaulting a child here, according to police.
On Nov. 1, detectives with the San Jose Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce investigated an incident involving lewd and lascivious acts with a minor, SJPD spokesperson Stacie Shih said in a news release Monday.
Kevin Whitmer, 32, of Denver, was identified as the primary suspect the following day, said Shih, adding that the investigation also determined the alleged crimes happened at Sharks Ice in San Jose and at Whitmer’s temporary residence in San Jose.
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.
Whitmer previously served as a head coach and a skills coach for the San Jose Jr. Sharks and as an assistant head coach for the Colorado Thunderbirds, according to Shih. Police did not say when the alleged crimes occurred.
In a statement, Sharks Sports & Entertainment said it learned about the arrest on Friday.
“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. Coaches also undergo criminal background checks.
“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,” the company said.
The San Jose Jr. Sharks offer competitive teams for 9- to 18-year-old boys and 8- to 19-year-old girls, according to the club’s website.
Anyone with information related to the case can contact Detective Michelle Zanotto at 408-900-6564 or 3657@sanjoseca.gov, or Sgt. Sean Pierce at 408-537-1397 or 3415@sanjoseca.gov. Tips can also be left with Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers at 408-947-7867 or svcrimestoppers.org.
Check back for updates.
Source: www.mercurynews.com