A hockey coach in Massachusetts has been accused of sexually abusing eight children, including a six-year-old.
Judge James LaMothe revealed in court that seven other families had come forward to accuse Prew of sexual abuse.
A Marblehead police officer testified to say the first victim came forward on Feb. 5. She interviewed the victim separately from the mother and relayed the victim’s story.
The victim’s mother told the officer that Prew had become a mentor to the child in the wake of her husband’s death, including taking the child to buy hockey gear on his own time.
He even ended up living in their apartment.
Prew’s attorney Sean Donahue, meanwhile, was able to amass more than two dozen letters of glowing support for Prew, but it appeared to have little effect on the case as LaMothe ordered Prew held without bail.
“Myself, my family and a large community of people stand behind Chris and know that he did not do what he’s being accused of,” she said. “Please respect our privacy during this very difficult time.”
“I’ve frankly never seen anything like it, and I’m not sure where we’re headed,” assistant Essex District Attorney Kate MacDougall told the judge during the first hearing.
Hearings for the other charges are scheduled for later this year.
Prosecutors said it’s possible more victims come forward.
