Local youth hockey coach accused of sexually abusing 2 kids in Iowa

A Cranberry man who has coached youth hockey is facing sexual abuse charges in Iowa.

Kyle Dirks, 38, was charged with four counts of sexual abuse in the second degree on Sept. 23.

A criminal complaint alleges Dirks inappropriately touched two kids at his Sioux City, Iowa, home between 2017 and 2021.

According to the affidavit, Dirks would sometimes take the boys to dinner and then back to his home. Afterward, he would “massage” them while they played video games.

Channel 11 spoke to several people who were disturbed by the allegations.

“We trust the coaches. That is the most important thing to a parent,” Shalini Tripathi said.

“If he’s at fault, he needs to go to jail,” Anne Ballentine said.

The Shane Clifford Goalie School announced that Dirks is no longer a part of the organization.

Dirks was also a goalie coach for Robert Morris University Men’s Hockey. An RMU spokesperson said he volunteered with the team for one season. He was set to continue his volunteer role again this season but was removed from the position on Sept. 28, which is the same day RMU learned of the charges filed in Iowa.

Dirks was arrested in September and was booked into the Woodbury County Jail. NBC affiliate KTIV reports he has since posted bond and is expected to be in court on Oct. 10.

If Dirks is convicted, each count of sexual abuse carries a maximum of 25 years in prison.

Channel 11 did attempt to reach out to Dirks over the phone. He has not replied.

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