Trial dates set in historical Sudbury sexual assault case
An historic sexual assault case involving a Sudbury pizza franchise founder will go to trial next fall.
Ronald Toppazzini, 85, was charged in May 2022 after a sexual assault complaint was reported to Greater Sudbury Police Service in January of that year.
The complaint allegedly happened more than 30 years ago in 1989 and involved a person who was under the age of 16, Sudbury police said.
Toppazzini is the founder of the popular pizza chain Topper's Pizza, which started in 1982 and now has 37 locations across Ontario.
A spokesperson for the company told CTV News he has had no involvement with the franchise for more than 25 years.
Toppazzini is charged with sexual assault and exploitation and police said they are concerned there may be other survivors.
He was released from custody following the charges.
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Now, as the case makes its way through the court system, several hearing and trial dates have been set for next year.
Two half days have been scheduled for April 3 and July 29, 2024, to hear arguments in a third-party records application.
On May 23 and 24, 2024, a stay application will be heard
A seven-day jury trial has been scheduled to begin Oct. 28, 2024.
None of the allegations has been proven in court.
In Canada, there is no statute of limitations, meaning there is no time limit to filing criminal charges.
SUPPORT FOR SURVIVORS
Survivors of sexual assault are not alone and there is support and several reporting options available.
Police define sexual assault as any unwanted sexual contact. It includes unwanted touching, kissing, hugging, molestation,
rape or attempted rape. It can happen to you once, more than once or over many years.
"In the case of an emergency, if you are in danger or need medical assistance or if the incident just took place/the person responsible is nearby, please call 911 immediately. If you are reporting a sexual assault after the fact and you do not believe that you require immediate assistance, you can call us at 705-675-9171 or you can report it online," police said.
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