Formenton, Dube Police Interviews at London Hockey Trial

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Formenton,Dube Interviews Reveal Details in 2018 Hockey Canada Sexual Assault Case

Content advisory: This article includes graphic language and details of alleged sexual assault.

London, Ontario – Harrowing details from 2018 police interviews with Alex Formenton and Dillon Dube have emerged during their trial, providing stark perspectives on the events of June 19, 2018, the night of an alleged sexual assault following a Hockey Canada event. The interviews reveal that several teammates reportedly stood by and watched as E.M. engaged in sexual acts with multiple men in a hotel room.

The trial, involving Formenton, Dube, Michael mcleod, Callan Foote, and Carter Hart, is reviewing these interviews conducted by now-retired London Police Service sergeant Stephen Newton, the lead investigator, who initially closed the case in early 2019 without charges.

Key Revelations from the 2018 Police Interviews

During the interviews, Formenton and dube, both represented by Toronto lawyer Lou Strezos at the time, recounted the events leading up to and during the alleged incident.The Crown alleges a series of disturbing acts occurred in McLeod’s hotel room, including sexual acts and degrading behavior towards E.M.

• Formenton’s Account: Said he engaged in sex with E.M. in the bathroom, after being invited by McLeod for a “threesome.” He claimed E.M.appeared happy and consensual before the act.
• Dube’s Account: Claimed he entered the room to find E.M. naked and that she stated, “Well, I’m putting my clothes on because no one will bang me.” He admitted to oral sex but stopped,feeling it was a “bad idea.”

The Night Unfolds: A Chain of Events

Both Formenton and Dube indicated that the evening began with a Hockey Canada event, wich players celebrated at local bars. Formenton, being underage at the time, joined coaches at Joe Kool’s before receiving the invitation from McLeod.

Formenton stated that upon arriving at the hotel room, he witnessed Hart receiving oral sex from E.M. and later engaged in sexual activity with her in the bathroom. He also recounted seeing teammates watching as E.M. interacted sexually with others.

Dube explained that he arrived at the hotel room after receiving a text from Jake Bean about pizza. He claimed to have been holding a golf club during the incident, even though he denied hearing any comments about E.M. using golf balls or the club in a sexual manner, as she alleged.

Discrepancies and Omissions

Notably, neither Formenton nor Dube initially mentioned Dube slapping E.M.in their interviews with Newton. This detail surfaced later in 2022 during a Hockey Canada investigation, and in trial testimony.

Dube’s lawyer has acknowledged that Dube did physically touch E.M.’s buttocks in the manner described in court.

Concerns Regarding the Initial Investigation

Sergeant Newton’s investigation has come under scrutiny. He admitted to not reviewing surveillance footage from Jack’s bar, not sending E.M.’s clothing for forensic testing,and not securing search or production orders.

He also was unaware of a group chat among players or a text message from McLeod inviting teammates for a “3 way”.

Pro Tip: Always ensure thoroughness in investigations. Overlooking seemingly minor details can have meaningful repercussions on the outcome of a case.

Statements to Hockey Canada Ruled Inadmissible

Statements given in 2022 to a Hockey Canada investigator were ruled inadmissible during pretrial hearings because a judge determined that the statements were coerced.

Accusations and pleas

All five defendants have pleaded not guilty to the sexual assault charges.

The accusations span a range of acts, with McLeod facing an additional charge.

Did You Know? According to Statistics Canada, reports of sexual assault are substantially underreported. Only a fraction of incidents are ever brought to the attention of law enforcement.

Summary of Allegations and Testimonies

Accused	Allegations	Key Testimony
Alex Formenton	Sexual intercourse with E.M. in the bathroom	Admitted to sexual activity, claimed E.M.was consensual
Dillon Dube	Oral sex from E.M., slapping E.M.’s buttocks	Admitted to oral sex, lawyer acknowledged physical contact with E.M.’s buttocks
Michael mcleod	Sex with E.M. in the bathroom, being party to the offence	Details not fully available in released excerpts
Carter Hart	Received oral sex from E.M.	details not fully available in released excerpts
Callan Foote	“Grazed” genitals over E.M.’s head	Details not fully available in released excerpts

Where do you think the balance lies between individual accountability and team culture in incidents like these? With the benefit of hindsight, what steps could have been taken differently during the investigation?

Context & Evergreen Insights

Cases like this one involving the 2018 World Junior team raise crucial questions about consent, power dynamics, and the culture within sports organizations. Understanding the legal definitions of sexual assault and consent is paramount.

according to Canadian law, consent must be voluntary and informed, and it can be withdrawn at any time. Factors such as intoxication can impair a person’s ability to give valid consent. Moreover, recent research indicates a growing awareness of consent and sexual violence, particularly among younger generations. Educational programs and bystander intervention training are increasingly recognized as effective tools for preventing sexual assault and promoting a culture of respect and consent. UNESCO reports highlight the essential role of education in addressing these issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Question: What specifically is alleged to have occurred in the Hockey Canada sexual assault incident?
• Answer: The alleged incident involves a sexual assault in a hotel room after a Hockey Canada event in June 2018.
• Question: Who are the key individuals involved in this Hockey Canada case?
• Answer: Alex Formenton,dillon Dube,Michael mcleod,Callan foote,and Carter Hart are accused.
• Question: What role did alcohol play in the alleged Hockey canada sexual assault incident?
• Answer: Alcohol consumption was a factor leading up to the alleged incident, with players reportedly drinking at bars before returning to the hotel.
• Question: Why is there renewed interest in the 2018 Hockey Canada investigation now?
• Answer: The trial is ongoing, and new details from police interviews are being revealed and reviewed.
• Question: What impact could this case have on Hockey Canada and its players?
• Answer: The case could have significant repercussions for the organization’s reputation and the careers of those involved.

What are your thoughts on this developing story? Share your outlook in the comments below and spread awareness by sharing this article.

What were the key differences in the outcomes of the investigations and legal proceedings for Michael Formenton and Saint-Just Dubé, and why might those differences exist?

formenton & Dubé: Inside the London Hockey Trial Police Interviews

The Allegations and Initial Examination

In September 2014, serious allegations surfaced regarding incidents occurring during the London Knights’ hockey tryout camp. The allegations involved sexual assault, prompting a police investigation led by the London Police Service. Two players, Michael Formenton and Saint-Just Dubé, quickly became central figures in the inquiry. The initial focus was on statements taken from multiple players who attended the OHL tryouts.The investigation centered around events that allegedly took place at a hotel room following a team social event. This case quickly gained national attention, impacting the reputation of the London Knights and raising concerns about player safety within junior hockey. The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) instantly suspended both players pending the outcome of the investigation.

The Police Interviews: A Detailed Look

The police interviews with Formenton and Dubé were conducted separately and involved extensive questioning regarding their involvement in the alleged incidents. Sources indicate the interviews were lengthy, lasting several hours each, and focused on establishing timelines and verifying alibis. Legal counsel was present for both players. Key areas of questioning included:

Their whereabouts on the night of the alleged incident.

Their interactions with the complainant(s).

Their knowledge of what transpired in the hotel room.

The presence of other players and witnesses.

the investigation utilized forensic evidence,including cell phone records and witness testimonies,to corroborate or refute the statements provided during the interviews. The London police were meticulous in their approach, aiming to gather a comprehensive understanding of the events. The interviews were crucial in determining the direction of the investigation and ultimately, the charges laid.

Charges and Legal Proceedings

Following the police interviews and further investigation,both Formenton and Dubé were charged with sexual assault causing bodily harm. The charges were a significant blow to their hockey careers, immediately halting their progress and casting a shadow over their futures.The legal proceedings were complex and protracted, involving numerous court appearances and legal arguments.

Player	Initial Charge	Outcome (as of Oct 26, 2023)
Michael Formenton	Sexual Assault Causing Bodily Harm	Charges withdrawn in 2016 after completing choice measures program.
Saint-Just Dubé	Sexual Assault Causing Bodily Harm	Found not guilty in 2017 after a judge-alone trial.

The case highlighted the challenges of prosecuting sexual assault cases, especially those involving multiple parties and conflicting accounts. The burden of proof rested with the Crown, and ultimately, the evidence presented was deemed insufficient to secure a conviction in Dubé’s case. Formenton’s charges were withdrawn after he successfully completed an alternative measures program, which involved community service and counseling.

Impact on Hockey Careers & Reputations

The allegations and subsequent legal battles had a devastating impact on both Formenton and Dubé’s hockey prospects. Despite being highly touted NHL draft prospects prior to the incident, their draft stock plummeted. Formenton was drafted by the Boston Bruins in the second round in 2017, but his advancement was significantly hampered by the lingering effects of the scandal. Dubé was never drafted.

The case also sparked a broader conversation about player conduct and the duty of junior hockey leagues to ensure a safe and respectful habitat for all participants. The CHL (Canadian Hockey League) and the OHL implemented stricter policies regarding player behavior and conduct, including mandatory education programs on consent and sexual assault prevention.

The Role of the London Knights Organization

The London Knights organization faced intense scrutiny following the allegations. Questions were raised about their knowledge of the events and their response to the initial reports. The team cooperated with the police investigation, but some critics argued they could have done more to protect their players and address the underlying issues. The incident led to a review of the team’s internal policies and procedures, with a focus on creating a more accountable and transparent environment. The Knights’ reputation suffered a significant blow, and it took years to rebuild trust with the community. The team implemented mandatory respect in sport training for all players and staff.

Lessons Learned and Future Prevention

The Formenton and Dubé case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing sexual assault and harassment within the world of junior hockey. Key takeaways include:

1. Prioritizing Player Safety: leagues and teams must prioritize the safety and well-being of their players above all else.
2. Comprehensive Education: Mandatory education programs on consent, respect, and bystander intervention are essential.
3. Clear Reporting Mechanisms: Players must have access to clear and confidential reporting mechanisms for incidents of misconduct.
4. Accountability and Openness: Organizations must hold individuals accountable for their actions and operate with transparency.
5. Support for Victims: Providing support and resources for victims of sexual assault is crucial.

The case prompted a wider discussion about the culture of hockey and the need to challenge harmful norms and behaviors. Ongoing efforts are needed to create a more inclusive and respectful environment for all participants in the sport. Resources like the Canadian Center for Mental Health in Sport offer valuable support and guidance.