Markus Hicks pleads guilty to dozens of sexual violence charges
Victims range from children to adults
A St. John's man facing more than 200 charges related to sexual violence, some involving children, has pleaded guilty to 54 of those charges.
Markus Hicks, a former volleyball coach and teacher who is in his 30s, is accused of using fake identities on an array of websites and apps to lure adults and children.
Hicks appeared in provincial court in St. John's Monday morning.
According to documents sent by Crown attorney Mark James, Hicks pleaded guilty to — among other things — 13 counts of sexual assault, and six counts of luring a child.
The other charges included various counts of using a disguise, possessing and accessing child pornography, sexual exploitation and breach of trust.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary began investigating Hicks in August, 2023. They arrested him last year, saying at the time their investigators had unearthed tens of thousands of images and videos dating back 15 years.
The case against Hicks ballooned after his arrest as more complainants came forward, ultimately growing to more than 200 charges in June, 2024.
Police say there are as many as 35 complainants, who range in age from as young as 12 to adults at the time of the offences.
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