Thunder Bay man charged in historical sexual assault investigation

An Ontario Provincial Police officer handcuffs an unknown male suspect in this undate image. (Ontario Provincial Police/Facebook) (Bobb Barratt / OPP Photographer)

A Thunder Bay, Ont., man has been charged after sexual assault allegations from several decades ago surfaced and police say there may be more victims.

The sexual assault complaints are alleged to have happened in Collins First Nation – now known as Namaygoosisagagun First Nation --between 1978 and 1988, Ontario Provincial Police said in a news release Thursday.

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Officers recently arrested the 61-year-old suspect and charged him with gross indecency, indecent assault on a female, sexual assault and sexual assault causing bodily harm.

“Police are requesting anyone who may have additional information or believes that they were a victim of a similar circumstance to contact the Thunder Bay OPP detachment at 1-888-310-1122,” OPP said.

“Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).”

• Want more local news? Check out the Northwestern Ontario page

Namaygoosisagagun First Nation is a small, remote Anishinabek community in northwestern Ontario located on the north end of Collins Lake.

Resources for sexual assault survivors in Canada

If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:

A full list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling can be found at ReeseCommunity.com. Resources in your community can be found by entering your postal code.

• If you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety, you should call 911.
• Helplines, legal services and locations that offer sexual assault kits in Alberta, B.C., Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Ontario and Nova Scotia can be found .
• National Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
• 24-hour crisis line: 1-416-597-8808
• Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: [phone]
• Trans Lifeline: 1-877-330-6366
• Sexual misconduct support for current or former members of the Armed Forces: 1-844-750-1648

Read about your rights as a victim here.

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