‘Naked time:’ Trial hears former Young Canadians worker wanted student photos
CALGARY — The trial of a former longtime employee of a performance group that entertains each year at the Calgary Stampede has heard that the accused would ask students to send him naked photos and was hoping for more “naked time” with them.
Philip Heerema, 55, pleaded not guilty to 20 charges Monday at the beginning of a trial on counts that include sexual assault, luring and child pornography.
Police began investigating in January 2014 after they received a complaint from a student and his parents of an inappropriate relationship with a “person of authority” in The Young Canadians troupe.
“The charges in this case are serious,” said Crown prosecutor Martha O’Connor in her opening remarks.