Calls have been coming in to the Coquitlam RCMP after police announced last week there could be more victims associated with a Lower Mainland music teacher arrested for sexual misconduct involving underage girls.
But investigators would not say if any new allegations have been made against Lamar Victor Alviar, who teaches out of the LA Music Studio in North Vancouver.
“We are getting calls from the public and the investigation is an ongoing priority,” said Coquitlam RCMP Cpl. Michael McLaughlin. “However, we will not be issuing updates on the number of alleged victims until at least the charge approval stage. At this time, no charges have been sworn before the courts and that will likely take weeks rather than days.”
Last Thursday, Mounties took the unusual step of releasing a photo and description of the suspect, with McLaughlin saying investigators “do not take this step lightly.”
“We only do so when there is an imminent need or an urgent need to forward the investigation, or if there is a risk, particularly to underage people,” he said. “We do not take any chances.”
The investigation began approximately two weeks ago but McLaughlin said it has stepped up over the last week. So far, three alleged victims, all from Coquitlam, have come forward; the allegations involve students and non-students.
Alviar is 22 years old, with dark brown hair, hazel eyes and an eyebrow piercing; he is 5’8” and weighs 150 lb., with a slim build.
He was released on conditions that prohibit him from being alone with anyone who reasonably appears to be under the age of 16 and he is to have no contact with anyone under the age of 16, including through social media and the internet.
Investigators believe there is a strong likelihood the alleged offences occurred in jurisdictions outside of Coquitlam. But McLaughlin said anyone who believes they or someone they know has been a victim of a crime involving Alviar should call the Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 and ask for the sex crimes unit. The file number is 2019-24019.
“The investigation is still in its infancy,” he said. “Given the totality of the circumstances, it is important for this investigation that the public knows to call us.”
