Northern Ont. man charged in historical child sexual abuse case

A stock photo of a sad small child crying in a dark room. (File photo/kieferpix/iStockPhoto/GettyImages)

A 56-year-old man has been charged with sexual offences following a year-long investigation into historical allegations involving a child welfare agency worker.

The Thunder Bay Police Service launched the investigation in 2024 after receiving reports of abuse dating back roughly 20 years. The accused, who was assigned to the victim’s family at the time of the alleged offences, was arrested last month and appeared in court on May 28.

The local man faces charges of sexual assault and sexual interference.

“The investigation remains ongoing, and police continue to examine the possibility that there are more victims who have yet to come forward,” police said in a news release.

Investigators are urging anyone with information to contact Det. Const. Tanka Awosika at [phone] or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

Resources for sexual assault survivors

If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:

• If you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety, you should call 911.
• A full list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling can be found at ReeseCommunity.com. Resources in your community can be found by entering your postal code.
• Helplines, legal services and locations that offer sexual assault kits in Alberta, B.C., Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Ontario and Nova Scotia can be found here.
• National Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
• 24-hour crisis line: 1-416-597-8808
• Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: [phone]
• Trans Lifeline: 1-877-330-6366
• Sexual misconduct support for current or former members of the Armed Forces: 1-844-750-1648

Read about your rights as a victim here.