A Lower Mainland music teacher has been arrested for sexual misconduct involving underage girls in Coquitlam and police believe there could be more victims.
Lamar Victor Alviar teaches out of the LA Music Studio in North Vancouver and investigators are urging any possible victims or witnesses to contact the RCMP immediately.
"This teacher we know has had a lot of contact with underage youth and girls in particular," Coquitlam RCMP Cpl. Michael McLaughlin told The Tri-City News on Thursday. "That and various other circumstances leads us to believe there is a strong likelihood there are other victims that haven't spoken to police."
He added the investigation began approximately two weeks ago but has stepped up in the last few days. 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.
It is unusual for police to release a photo and description of a suspect involved in a sex assault investigation, McLaughlin added.
"We do not take this step lightly," he said. "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. We do not take any chances."
Investigators believe there is a strong likelihood that 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."
