ST. LOUIS — A former Lindenwood and youth hockey coach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of child sexual abuse and producing child sexual abuse images and material, a U.S. Attorney's Office spokesperson said Wednesday.
Lake St. Louis resident James Lambert, 42, admitted to sexually abusing two children, the office said. Lambert sexually abused one victim over 50 times between 2007 and 2018 while the child was between the ages of 6 and 17 years old. Lambert sexually abused the second child while they were between the ages of 6 and 9 years old.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Former Lindenwood hockey coach charged with molesting at least 2 players
Family members told Lake St. Louis Police Lambert volunteered with the Chesterfield Falcons youth hockey club during that time. When Lambert was charged last year, current leaders from the organization told 5 On Your Side they were not aware of Lambert volunteering with the organization during their administration.
The first victim reportedly told police that he suspected Lambert was abusing a second victim after he came forward, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. Investigators later found hundreds of files on Lambert's electronic devices documenting the abuse of the second victim, along with at least 1,185 files other containing child sexual abuse material.
The victim also told police Lambert took him “all over the place” for hockey games and sporting events including Cardinals games, Blues games, Mizzou football games, hockey tournaments and practices. The former coach reportedly paid for them to help his single mother, according to court documents.
Lambert's sentencing is scheduled for June 18. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Anderson will ask for 50 years in prison, according to the plea agreement.
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