Winnipeg man charged in alleged sexual assault of two youths: police

A Winnipeg man is facing multiple charges after a minor was allegedly sexually assaulted.

The Winnipeg Police Service has made an arrest in connection with the sexual assaults of two youths.

The arrest comes after a pair of youth met up with a man, who one knew as an acquaintance, on Saturday. Police allege the youths went to the man’s home where they took drugs and drank alcohol.

One of the youths left in the evening, while the other stayed and was sexually and physically assaulted, according to police.

On Sunday morning, police officers went to a home in central Winnipeg to look for a youth who was reported missing. The missing youth was identified as the victim who stayed at the home with the man.

The suspect was taken into custody and turned over to the sex crimes unit.

During the investigation, police also learned of an alleged incident from October where the same suspect assaulted the youth who had left during the evening of the December incident.

Lawrence Philip Richards, 54, is facing a slew of charges, including two counts of sexual assault with a weapon, sexual interference and assault. The charges have not been proven in court, and Richards remains in custody.

Police continue to investigate. Anyone who wants to speak to an investigator can call 204-986-6245.

Support for survivors of sexual assault includes Winnipeg police’s victim services at 204-986-6350, the Klinic Sexual Assault Crisis Line at 204-786-8631, and Crime Stoppers at 204-786-8477.