Jamie Ellacott facing additional charges of sexual assault

A Lethbridge gymnastics coach who was previously charged by police with sexually assaulting a seven year old girl now faces even more charges. Thirty-three year old Jamie Ellacott, who was a former owner at the Lethbridge Gymnastics Academy, faces three additional charges of sexual assault stemming from alleged incidents involving girls aged 10, 12 and 14 in May of this year. Ellacott was arrested on Wednesday but was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court on August 31st. Concerned parent, Mallory Kristjanson, says she and a group of about 10 parents who have their kids enrolled at the academy and don’t feel comfortable with the idea of having their kids there and are having a tough time getting their money back.

“We obviously understand that covid has severely impacted local businesses, and that’s why many of us wanted to support Lethbridge Gymnastics Academy. But, child abuse and sexual assault allegations are far more serious, and they’re going to continue to lose business. We as parents deserve a refund. Guardians, kinship providers, and all of us who have put our children through this academy for trusted purposes deserve a refund.”

The Lethbridge Gymnastics Academy posted on Facebook that they were aware of the charges against Ellacott and that Andrea Seright has been the sole owner of the Academy since July 29th. The company did not respond to BCN’s request for comment on the sexual assault allegations and the refund request made by parents.