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A shocking case of alleged sex crimes has emerged involving a hockey coach accused of committing heinous acts against minors in St. Louis County and St. Charles County according to First Alert 4. James Lambert, 42, now faces multiple charges stemming from these disturbing allegations.
The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office has charged Lambert with two counts of first-degree statutory sodomy, one count of transporting a minor across state lines to engage in criminal sexual activity, and one count of sexual exploitation of a 6-year-old child. In St. Charles County, he faces two counts of first-degree statutory sodomy and one count of first-degree child molestation.
Lambert's role as a hockey coach for select teams, including Lindenwood University, located at 209 S Kingshighway St, St Charles, MO 63301, has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of the children under his supervision. The university has since released a statement indicating that Lambert is no longer employed there.
The first victim in St. Charles County came forward about the abuse when he was 22 years old, recounting incidents that occurred between 2007 and 2018, when he was between the ages of 6 and 17. A probable cause statement reveals that Lambert would allegedly take the child to various locations, including St. Louis Cardinals games, St. Louis Blues games, Mizzou college football games, hockey tournaments, and practices. The Kansas City Star reported Lambert traveled to Illinois, Kentucky, Nevada, France, and even Switzerland for the purpose of sexually abusing him.
According to the Maryland Heights Police Department, the first victim shared his suspicions that Lambert engaged in sexual acts with a second young boy. Investigators determined the second victim was only 6 and 7 years old when Lambert abused him. These alleged acts occurred in a bathroom at the Centene Ice Center located at 750 Casino Center Dr, Maryland Heights, MO 63043, between March 1, 2020, and September 24, 2021. Shockingly, authorities claim that Lambert also took explicit photographs of these acts.
More than 2,000 files of child pornography were found on the former coach's electronic devices. Of these, 800 were of the second victim, and 39 were of the first victim. The victims claim the videos of their abuse circulating online continue to haunt them.
Lindenwood University, upon learning of the allegations, has cooperated with the Lake St. Louis Police Department in their investigation. The university has been assured that the charges do not involve any activities related to Lindenwood University and that Lambert has no prior criminal history. Lambert held the position of assistant ACHA men's hockey coach for Lindenwood's club team but is no longer associated with the university.
As this case unfolds, authorities are urging any other potential victims or individuals with information to come forward. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and law enforcement agencies are working diligently to ensure that justice is served and that the safety of children is protected.
In light of recent news of the youth hockey coach pleading guilty to child sex abuse, we sat down with attorney Reed Martens, a Missouri child sex abuse lawyer. Reed shared invaluable guidance on navigating civil litigation for victims of sexual abuse. Read more to learn the legal pathways available to victims seeking accountability and restitution if sexually abused by a hockey coach.
Editor Darla Medina (DM): Reed, as a child sex abuse lawyer in Missouri, could you shed some light on what victims of sexual abuse by figures like this hockey coach can do in terms of pursuing civil cases against those responsible?
Attorney Reed Martens (RM): Absolutely, Darla. Victims of sexual abuse, especially minors, have legal recourse to seek justice through civil cases against liable parties. In situations like this, where a former coach has admitted to such egregious acts, victims can file civil lawsuits to hold not only the perpetrator but also any institutions or individuals who may have enabled or failed to prevent the abuse accountable.
DM: That's crucial information. Could you elaborate on the potential outcomes of such civil cases for the victims?
RM: Certainly. Civil cases can provide victims with a means to seek financial compensation for the damages they have suffered, including emotional distress, medical expenses, and loss of income. Moreover, these cases can also serve as a form of validation for the victims, acknowledging the harm they endured and potentially preventing similar abuses in the future by raising awareness and holding wrongdoers accountable in a public forum.
DM: Thank you for highlighting the significance of civil litigation in these cases. For victims who may be considering taking legal action, what advice would you offer them?
RM: My advice to victims is to seek support from experienced legal professionals who specialize in child sex abuse cases. It's essential to have compassionate and knowledgeable advocates who can guide them through the legal process, protect their rights, and work toward securing a just outcome that helps them heal and move forward from such traumatic experiences.
DM: Thank you, Reed, for your valuable insights and guidance on this critical issue. Victims of sexual abuse deserve justice and support, and your expertise is invaluable in helping them navigate the complexities of seeking recourse through civil litigation.
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