Youth basketball coach charged with sexual assault of 16-year-old player in Mississauga: police

A youth basketball coach who’s been active for over a decade in the GTA has been charged after allegedly sexually assaulting a 16-year-old player on his team.

Peel Regional Police say the assault happened between the spring of 2022 and the summer of 2023 while a 16-year-old female was on a local basketball team.

While playing on the team police say the 16-year-old was allegedly sexually assaulted by her coach.

A 35-year-old Mississauga man was arrested on Wednesday in relation to the investigation, police said.

Richard Chong, 35, has been charged with one count each of sexual assault and sexual exploitation.

A LinkedIn profile for Chong, which has since had its profile picture removed, claims he has been involved with several organizations including the Overseas Basketball Association, JUMP Basketball, North Pole Hoops and even the City of Mississauga as a Site Leader and Sports League Convenor.

Police say the man has worked as a basketball coach for 13 years across the GTA and most recently was employed as a basketball coach and volunteer within the Region of Peel.

Investigators are concerned there may be more victims and are urging anyone with information on the accused to contact police.