Sault man charged with sexual assault, exploitation of child

An undated exterior image of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Services Building. (File photo/CTV News Northern Ontario)

A 58-year-old man from Sault Ste. Marie faces three sex-related charges following an investigation that began earlier this month.

Detectives with the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service launched an inquiry on June 3 after receiving a report that the accused had been sexually inappropriate with a child.

Assaults spanning years

Police allege the offences occurred repeatedly over an extended period.

“The investigation revealed the accused had sexually assaulted, exploited and interfered with the victim over the course of several years,” said police in a news release Monday.

The accused was taken into custody on June 18 and formally charged with three offences: sexual assault of a person under 16, sexual exploitation and sexual interference.

The accused was released on an undertaking – a form of release without bail that includes court-ordered conditions. He is scheduled to appear in court to answer to the charges on Sept. 14.

Resources for 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.
• 24-hour crisis line: 1-416-597-8808
• Assaulted Women’s Helpline: 1-866-863-0511
• National Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
• 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.