Sex assault suspect was a therapist for child and family services in North Bay, Ont.
North Bay police station (Eric Taschner/CTV Northern Ontario)
A 70-year-old suspect has been charged with multiple sexual assault charges that police say took place while he worked for the former Algonquin Child and Family Services.
Eric William Crowther was arrested July 18 and police believe there may be more victims.
“On multiple occasions in 2004, the accused, while employed as a counsellor for Algonquin Child and Family Services, is alleged to have sexually assaulted a client who was a minor at the time the incidents occurred,” North Bay Police said in a news release Tuesday.
“The accused was, at the time of arrest, employed as a counsellor at Hands the Family Help Network. The accused also operates an independent counselling and therapy practice.”
He is charged with three counts of sexual assault, one count of invitation to sexual touching involving someone under age 16 and one count of sexual interference.
“The North Bay Police Service has reason to believe that the accused may have victimized other individuals who have not yet reported the incidents to police,” police said.
“We encourage any potential victims to contact police regardless of how recently the incidents occurred.”
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Police are hoping to hear from anyone who was victimized by the suspect, knows someone who was victimized by the accused or has any additional information about this case or similar incidents.
Contact the North Bay Police Service at 705-497-5555 and ask to speak with Det. Const. Sarah Marcotte or Det. Const. Megan MacPherson.
To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or online.
The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing at the North Bay Courthouse.
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