RCMP arrests Alberta man for sex crimes against minors

A former coach of St. Albert's youth hockey team is accused of luring and sexually abusing a teenage girl in 2022.

Stephen Frank Dienes, 52, befriended a 16-year-old boy through social media in May 2022 with the intent of engaging in sexual contact, Edmonton police said Wednesday, Sept. 18.

“Later that same year, Dienes allegedly sexually abused the teenager in his residence,” a press release states.

Investigators have reason to believe that there may be more victims and are urging them to contact the police.

“Above all, we want to remind anyone who has been a victim of Dienes: It is not your fault,” Det. Brian McGuigan of the EPS Sexual Assault Unit said in the press release.

“We are here to help.”

According to a now-deleted post on X (formerly Twitter) cited by Global News, Dienes joined the AAA U18 St. Albert Raiders as a coach in 2018.

He remained with the team until at least the end of 2022, when Hockey Alberta named him to the staff of their 2023 Spring Showcase. According to their website, he was a coach for Alberta Black, one of the teams that competed in the Alberta Cup that year, where young talent vie to play for Team Alberta.

“Congratulations to the coach of @RaidersAAA Stephan Serve for selection to the @HockeyAlberta ABCup squad,” reads the tweet dated December 6, 2022. “The boys are in good hands. #Stevoooooo #RaiderPride.”

Police began their investigation on September 10 of this year. Dienes is accused of sexual assault, false imprisonment and sexual exploitation. His next court date is scheduled for October 22.

Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Dienes is asked to contact EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a cell phone. Anonymous information may also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.