A Guelph court has acquitted a former Ontario lacrosse executive of all charges in a historical sexual exploitation case.
Justice Nicole Redgate found the accusations against Josh Ogburn – also known as Josh Briscoe – were not proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Ogburn was being tried on charges of invitation to sexual touching and sexual exploitation for incidents alleged to have happened between the fall of 2006 and spring 2007, involving a male who was 17 at the time.
The trial wrapped up with closing statements Wednesday.
The court heard testimony from both Ogburn and the individual who made the accusations.
Ogburn was living in Orangeville at the time of the alleged incidents, and now lives in St. Catharines. It was investigated in Guelph because the complainant approached Guelph police with the allegations.
The complainant, whose identity is protected under a publication ban, testified that Ogburn asked for sexual favours on the platform MSN Messenger in exchange for opportunities.
Ogburn denied the accusations, stating the conversations never took place.
“It was a thoughtful and sound judgment,” said Crown attorney Mark Eshuis in an emailed statement. “The Crown must meet the high standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt for a court to properly convict an accused person. The court reasonably held that the Crown did not meet this standard in this case.”
The Ontario Lacrosse Association suspended Ogburn upon learning of the allegations and charges. GuelphToday has reached out to the OLA for comment.
Ogburn’s defense attorney Rob Kraska was also contacted for comment.
