A North Vancouver music teacher has been arrested following allegations of sexual misconduct involving underage girls.

Although he has not yet been charged with anything, Coquitlam RCMP took the step of releasing the suspect’s name and photo because they believe there may be more victims and witnesses who have not yet come forward.

article continues below

Lamar Victor Alviar has been teaching music out of a North Vancouver business called LA Music Studio on the 100 block of East 14th Street in the Central Lonsdale area. Alviar resides in Vancouver.

“There is reason to believe he has had inappropriate contact with young people around Metro Vancouver,” said Cpl. Michael McLaughlin, Coquitlam RCMP spokesman “The allegations involving Alviar include both students and non-students. Police believe there is a strong likelihood that there are victims and witnesses who have not yet spoken to police.”

The investigation began two weeks ago when a Coquitlam girl came forward. Since then, two more potential victims have been identified. Their ages range from 12 to 14 years old and the allegations date back about one year, McLaughlin said.

“As a music teacher, Mr. Alviar had frequent access to a variety of underage children. That’s why it’s so important that children and parents have a conversation and we talk to anyone who thinks there may have been inappropriate behaviour,” he said.

Alviar was arrested Wednesday night and has since been released. Under court order, he may not be alone with anyone who reasonably appears to be under the age of 16 and must have no contact with anyone who appears to be under the age of 16 (including via the internet or social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, Instagram or Snapchat).

McLaughlin could not say what the exact allegations are, partly because charges have not yet been sworn, and because police do not want to prejudice an investigation that could take months to complete.

McLaughlin said “without question” the RCMP will be forwarding a request for charge to the Crown.

Alviar is described as a 22-year-old man with dark brown hair and hazel eyes. He stands 173 centimetres (five-foot eight) and weighs 68 kilograms (150 pounds). He has a slim build and an eyebrow piercing.

LA Music’s website describes Alviar as the multi-instrumentalist owner of the school who has been teaching music since he was 16.

Alviar has not yet responded to a request for comment.

The case underscores the importance of parents keeping an open dialogue with their children, McLaughlin said.

“The more you talk to the kids, the more you may be able to figure out if something inappropriate is happening,” he said. “Equally important is people need to realize, while there are isolated incidents like this, the vast majority of teachers and music teachers and coaches who work with children are doing so for the right reasons and with positive outcomes.”

Anyone who believes they or someone they know is a victim of a crime involving Alviar is asked to contact the Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550.