Former pastor at Chinese Christian Church of Ottawa charged in historic sex assault: police

Ottawa Police headquarters on Elgin St. is seen in this undated photo. (CTV News Ottawa)

A 64-year-old man who served as a pastor at the Chinese Christian Church of Ottawa is facing sexual assault charges.

The Ottawa Police Service says the charges are in connection to a historic sex assault investigation involving minors.

James Andrew Evans, also known as Pastor James or Dr. James Evans, is facing two counts each of sexual assault with a weapon, sexual assault, sexual exploitation and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. Evans is also charged with one count of possessing and accessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material.

“Sexual assault is any touching of another person without their consent where the touching is of a sexual nature, or where the sexual integrity of the victim is violated. A sexual assault can range from unwanted touching to sexual assault involving penetration,” police said in a media release.

“There is no statute of limitation when it comes to reporting a sexual assault. This means that no matter how long ago the sexual assault happened, you can still report it to police for investigation.”

Police say Evans served as a pastor at the Chinese Christian Church of Ottawa from 2001 to 2005, and pastor at the Toronto Chinese Mennonite Church from 1996 until 2001.

Police say investigators are concerned there may be additional victims.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service’s Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5944.

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