More victims come forward in Kenneth Estabrooks case

Kenneth Estabrooks, a former Saint John police officer, was convicted in the 1990s of sexually abusing children, connected to complaints dating back to the 1950s.

Investigators in New Brunswick say more than a dozen people have come forward in recent weeks, alleging they were molested by a former Saint John police officer.

The case dates back more than 40 years, when Kenneth Estabrooks was a member of the Saint John police department, but the file was re-opened this past summer to allow victims to seek counselling.

After issuing a plea for victims to come forward, investigators say they are making progress.

“More than a dozen victims have come forward and that list continues to grow,” says lead investigator David Perry.

In the 1990s, Estabrooks was convicted of molesting children while he was a police officer with the city, in crimes dating back to the 1960s and 1970s.

Estabrooks has since died, but a new victim came forward earlier this year, and more is being learned about the convicted predator.

“Originally we suspected that Ken Estabrooks was preferential to young boys, but we have discovered that he also assaulted a number of girls,” says Perry.

When speaking about the case Wednesday, police commission chairman Chris Waldschutz chose his words carefully.

“You know, when one of your own is accused of something that is a serious and worrisome thing, in general terms, we would be wanting a full, thorough, open transparent investigation,” says Waldschutz.

Investigators have started distributing flyers in the Saint John area, asking anyone with information about Estabrooks to get in touch with them, and offering a toll-free number to call.

Police are also hinting as to how much the new investigation into the case will cost.

“There is a financial limit of $100,000 in the first instance,” says Saint John City Manager Patrick Woods. “They are required to report back to council periodically and provide progress reports and updates.”

Woods say the cost of the investigation has not exceeded the limit, so far, but it is unclear how long the process will continue.

Saint John City Council will have to approve any further spending on the investigation, above the $100,000 mark.

However, council has not put a limit on the cost of counselling that is being offered to the victims.

As for possible civil lawsuits, Woods says he is not aware of any legal action being launched against the city at this time.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Mike Cameron