A Dartmouth man is facing 66 charges following a multi-year investigation into sexual assaults that happened at the Nova Scotia Youth Centre over a period of more than 25 years.
RCMP say the suspect was a swim instructor at the facility, also known as Waterville, between 1988 and 2017; the offences happened between 1989 and 2015.
The investigation, named Operation Headwind, involved interviewing more than 450 survivors and witnesses across Canada, reviewing over 9,800 documents seized and more than 1,200 tasks related to the investigation.
“Sexual assault is a devastating crime with traumatic, long-lasting effects on survivors,” says Cst. Shari Pictou, primary investigator, Operation Headwind. “It takes courage for survivors, particularly youth, and even more so for those who are vulnerable, to come forward and speak with us about what they endured. Because of the courage and patience of those who’ve come forward, who were all youth at the time of the offences, we’re now able to lay charges.”
The 75-year-old suspect was arrested at his home September 13 on the following charges:
- Sexual Assault Causing Bodily Harm (3 counts)
- Sexual Assault (28 counts)
- Sexual Exploitation (32 counts)
- Sexual Interference
- Invitation to Sexual Touching
- Assault
He has been released on conditions and is scheduled for court in Kentville, September 26.
The survivors were youths at the time, so a publication ban is in place.
Additional charges are expected while the investigation remains ongoing.
Investigators are continuing to ask any survivor with whom they’ve not yet spoken, as well as anyone else with information, to call the confidential Operation Headwind tipline at 902-720-5313 or toll-free at 1-833-314-3475, monitored Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Investigators can also be reached by email at headwind@rcmp-grc.gc.ca. To remain anonymous, contact Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.
