Kevin Michael Hicks.

TORONTO – A prominent Canadian figure skater and coach has been arrested and charged for an allegedly historic sexual assault, and police say there may be more victims out there.

Kevin Michael Hicks, 53, was one of Canada's top three men's figure skaters in the '70s and parlayed that success into a career as a coach after his retirement.

Toronto Police allege he used that position of influence to sexually assault a boy numerous times from 1983 to 1990. The boy was 12 when the alleged assaults began.

"Our greatest concern is ... the amount of exposure he had to so many children in these communities," said Det. Const. Todd Jones. "We've only found about these accusations so late."

Hicks coached for the Woodbine Winter Skating Club, Weston Skating Club, Burlington Skating Club and Windsor Skating Club in the '80s.

Jones said the victim was allegedly told by the suspect that there were more victims. It's part of a "grooming process" predators use to convince children what they're doing is OK, he said.

"We're appealing to the public because there are probably parents and students of the accused who may or may not be victims themselves but may have information that can assist."

Police said they made an arrest Monday after the victim came forward with the allegations.

"It's not uncommon for individuals to come forward even up to some 40 years later as part of the healing process," Jones said.

"It's something they've been trying to deal with for a period of time and now they're trying to set things straight in their life. The first step is usually disclosing."

Hicks is charged with four counts of sexual assault and one count of buggery. He is scheduled to appear in court Friday.

shawn.jeffords@sunmedia.ca