NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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Investigators with the York Regional Police Special Victims Unit – Sexual Assault Section have charged a 79-year-old piano teacher following the sexual assault of a student in the Town of Richmond Hill.
On August 22, 2018, investigators spoke with a victim who came forward to report historical sexual assaults that had taken place between 2005 and 2007. During that period of time, the victim was under the age of 16 and was being taught piano lessons in her house in Richmond Hill. During the lessons the piano teacher sexually assaulted her.
Investigators have learned that there may be additional victims. They are releasing a photo of the accused and asking for any additional victims come forward.
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Charged:
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Charges:
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The accused has been released on bail and will be appearing before the Ontario Court of Justice in Newmarket on Tuesday, October 16, 2018.
A sexual assault includes any non-consensual contact of a sexual nature. York Regional Police encourages victims to report incidents of sexual assault, including historical offences. There is no statute of limitations for sexual offences and offenders can be prosecuted well after the date of the offence. York Regional Police understands that while sexual assaults often cause long-lasting trauma, survivors may have difficulty speaking about incidents with friends, family members, or police officers. We want to bring sexual assault cases to a resolution by conducting professional and thorough investigations, while also providing assistance and the resources necessary to support victims during this period of recovery. If you are the survivor of sexual assault, you can report the incident online if:
- You are not in immediate danger
- The person who assaulted you is not present
- There is no evidence present that may be collected by police (blood, semen, saliva, etc.). Evidence can be collected for up to 12 days after the sexual assault has occurred
- You have access to a private email address, to which the suspect does not have access
If someone is not ready to report, however is seeking support, please contact York Region Victim Services victimservices-york.org or the Women’s Support Network womenssupportnetwork.ca. Additional resources and information can also be found on our website http://www.yrp.ca/en/services/resources/sexualassaultsurvivorsguide.pdf.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Sexual Assault Section at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7071, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-tips, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
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