An Edmonton youth volleyball coach has pleaded guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material. Now police want to hear from any families or players who had contact with him.
Steven Cabral, 33, entered his guilty plea on June 15 nearly 13 months after his initial arrest. He was released on court-imposed conditions. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for October.
Edmonton Police went public on June 29 with a direct message to anyone connected to Edmonton youth volleyball: there may be more victims they do not yet know about.
"Following the court's decision to release the accused after charges were initially laid, police continued their investigation and learned about new information that suggests that there may be additional complainants," said EPS Sgt. Maciej Rocki.
Who Cabral coached and where
Cabral coached and refereed youth volleyball teams in Edmonton with players between the ages of 12 and 17. EPS has not named specific clubs or organizations publicly. If your child played youth volleyball in Edmonton and had contact with Cabral, police want to hear from you even if nothing seemed wrong at the time.
Why police are speaking now
The guilty plea was entered June 15. Police did not go public immediately. Between June 15 and June 29, investigators continued working the file and developed new information suggesting other individuals may have been affected. That new information is what prompted the public appeal.
The gap between arrest and guilty plea 13 months is not unusual in cases involving child sexual abuse material. These cases often take months because investigators and Crown prosecutors have to review large volumes of digital evidence before resolving the charges.
Cabral's sentencing in October will determine what punishment the court imposes. Child sexual abuse material possession carries a maximum sentence of five years in Canada under Section 163.1 of the Criminal Code.
What police are asking parents to do
EPS specifically acknowledged how difficult these conversations are.
"We know that conversations with children are hard for family and friends to have when these matters arise, but we want to ensure that we are able to provide support and a safe environment for anyone who may have information to come forward and speak with police," Rocki said.
If your child had contact with Cabral through youth volleyball in Edmonton, ask them directly, calmly, and without pressure. Children do not always disclose abuse immediately or recognize that what happened to them was wrong. A parent asking the question is often the first step.
How to come forward
Contact Edmonton Police at 780-423-4567. To remain anonymous contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at p3tips.com.
For support contact Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.
Sources:
Edmonton Police Service, Sgt. Maciej Rocki statement, June 29, 2026 (edmontonpolice.ca / @edmontonpolice on X)
