St. Catharines Cheerleading Coach Charged with Reported Sexual Assault Offences
In early 2026, detectives with the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Sexual Assault Unit (SAU) received information about historical sexual assaults dating back to 2009.
Two separate females reported being sexually assaulted, on several occasions, by the same suspect between 2009 and 2012.
The suspect was an adult at the time of the offences and was a cheerleading coach for both females.
On Tuesday, October 27, 2026, detectives arrested 42-year-old Derek OVENDEN of St. Catharines. OVENDEN is charged with the following offences.
- Sexual Assault
- Sexual Interference
- Sexual Exploitation x 4
OVENDEN remains in custody and is scheduled to attend a bail hearing on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street in St. Catharines.
OVENDEN was a volunteer cheerleading coach at high schools in St. Catharines within the District School Board of Niagara before opening his own cheerleading gym called Cheer Empire Eagles.
Detectives believe that there may be additional sexual assault victims involving the accused. Anyone who wishes to speak to investigators about their experience, or who has information that may assist the investigation, is encouraged to contact the NRPS Sexual Assault Unit at (905) 688-4111, option 3, extension 1009336.
To report a tip and remain anonymous please call 289-248-1058.
NRPS Incidents 26-34851 and 26-70081