Ex-Saint-Laurent basketball coach pleads guilty to sexual exploitation of student

A former Saint-Laurent high school basketball coach pleaded guilty to sexually exploiting a student on Tuesday.

A former Saint-Laurent high school basketball coach pleaded guilty to sexually exploiting a student on Tuesday.

Charles Xavier Boislard took a 12-year-old student, who showed promise on the court, under his wing.

In a statement of facts, Boislard admitted he became closer to his victim, driving her to medical appointments and even taking her home to provide her with meals and support because she came from a low-income family.

The relationship went from touching to full intercourse over a year-long period, during which the victim turned 16.

Boislard was charged with sexual assault, and exploitation of a minor. But just as his trial was to begin, Boislard decided to plead guilty on reduced charges.

“It doesn't change much as far as sentencing goes, but it allowed the parties to enter a guilty plea and prevent a trial,” said Crown prosecutor Jerome Laflamme said.

Boislard will be sentenced at a later date, because the court asked for a pre-sentencing report which will allow it to have a better idea of how dangerous an accused is, and sentence him accordingly.