Former Coach Robert Luu Convicted of Sexual Assault in Montreal

Robert Luu, a former basketball coach at École secondaire Saint-Laurent in Montreal, has been convicted of sexually assaulting a teenage player. The decision was delivered on March 15, 2024, by Quebec Court Judge Patricia Campagnone, who found Luu guilty of multiple charges, including sexual assault, sexual interference, and invitation to sexual touching.

During the trial, the key evidence revolved around conflicting testimonies from Luu and the complainant. Luu, aged 35, denied having any sexual relations with the victim, asserting that their relationship was akin to that of an older brother and a younger sister. He claimed it began when he drove her to physiotherapy appointments, starting while she was in grade six, prior to her attending École secondaire Saint-Laurent.

The judge highlighted discrepancies in Luu’s testimony, noting that he often appeared to deliver statements mechanically and lacked sincerity. In her ruling, Judge Campagnone remarked, “For the majority of his testimony, he expressed himself mechanically, as if he remembered a story by heart.” She contrasted this with his behavior during cross-examination, particularly when addressing text messages exchanged with the complainant.

Luu testified that he did not initially view the texts as inappropriate, but later recognized their inappropriateness. One exchange revealed the complainant’s realization about Luu’s character, to which he responded playfully, indicating a troubling dynamic. They reportedly exchanged messages throughout a Saturday until midnight, which further illustrated the nature of their relationship.

The complainant, whose identity remains protected, testified about the abuse occurring during her early teenage years, specifically between the ages of 12 and 15. She described a tumultuous home life, having lived alone with her mother in a challenging neighborhood. Judge Campagnone emphasized that Luu’s involvement in her life coincided with a vulnerable period, stating, “École secondaire Saint-Laurent’s basketball program taking charge of her, as well as Luu, came at a period in her life when she was very vulnerable.”

The victim recounted specific incidents of sexual abuse, including one instance on a couch in Luu’s apartment while his mother was present elsewhere. She detailed that sexual encounters occurred regularly, both at Luu’s residence and her family home. The complainant also indicated that Luu had to stop during one attempt at penetration due to her pain, illustrating the coercive nature of their interactions.

The case now moves to the sentencing phase, which will take place in March 2024. Luu’s conviction adds to the troubling narrative surrounding allegations of misconduct among basketball coaches associated with the school. Earlier this year, another coach, Daniel Lacasse, aged 47, was acquitted of similar charges. In a related case, Charles-Xavier Boilard, also aged 47, pleaded guilty on November 12, 2024, to sexually exploiting one of his players and is awaiting sentencing set for January 2025.

This case underscores the critical need for stringent safeguarding measures within sports programs to protect young athletes from abuse. The legal outcomes serve as a reminder of the importance of accountability in positions of trust, particularly in environments designed to support youth development.