Ottawa police to charge former pastor in historic sex assault

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

The Ottawa Police Service says it will charge a former pastor at the Chinese Christian Church of Ottawa in connection to a historic sexual assault investigation.

Police say the charges are in connection to a historic sex assault investigation involving minors.

The Ottawa Police Service initially released the suspect’s name on Monday, but told CTV News Ottawa on Monday afternoon the suspect had not been arrested yet. The suspect is expected to be arrested this week, according to police.

The suspect will face two counts each of sexual assault with a weapon, sexual assault, sexual exploitation and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. He will also face a charge 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.”

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

• Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App