Monday, December 7, 2009

Historic sexual assault investigation leads to additional charges

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON - An ongoing historic sexual assault investigation by East Algoma Ontario Provincial Police has resulted in additional charges after two more victims came forward to police to lay their complaints.

The incidents are reported to have taken place in Chapleau, Ontario between 1965 and 1971, when one victim was a child and the other a young teen.

Kenneth Graham Gibbs, 77, Belleville, Ontario has been charged with two counts of indecent assault.

At the time, the accused was the minister at St. John’s Anglican Church in Chapleau.

He also ministered at the Anglican Church of St. Peter the Apostle in Elliot Lake.

Gibbs was arrested in Sault Ste. Marie today, December 7, 2009, following a court appearance to answer to the initial charges related to this investigation.

He is being held in custody and will appear for a bail hearing in Timmins tomorrow, Tuesday, December 8, 2009.

OPP investigators would like to hear from anyone who may have information concerning these or any other incidents involving the accused.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Ed Pellarin of the Elliot Lake OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

You can also make an anonymous call through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

The investigation is ongoing.


MOTOR VEHICLE ROLLOVER – ONE MALE CHARGED

(Highway 17, west of Thessalon, Ontario) – On December 5, 2009 at approximately 2:45 a.m. the East Algoma – Thessalon OPP were dispatched to a motor vehicle rollover, near Lakeshore Drive, west of Thessalon, Ontario.

Police attended and located a male young person. The male (17 years old) provided a false name and now faces numerous charges under the Criminal Code including:

Public Mischief
Obstruct/Resist Peace Officer
Failure to comply with sentence or disposition (X3)
Take motor vehicle without Consent

Charges under the Highway Traffic Act are also pending. They include:

Drive motor vehicle – no licence
Fail to drive in marked lane
Fail to furnish required information

The male was released on a Promise to Appear in Thessalon Court on February 11, 2010.


WEEKEND SNOWFALL RESULTS IN NUMEROUS COLLISIONS

NO INJURIES REPORTED

(Sault Ste. Marie, ON) – Along with Highway closures this past weekend due to inclement weather, officers from the Sault Ste. Marie OPP detachment were busy with several motor vehicle collisions.

OPP investigated seven single motor vehicle collisions over the weekend, six of which occurred north of the city on Highway 17 and secondary highways.

No injuries were reported in any of these collisions.

Weather conditions can be unpredictable, placing extra demands on your vehicle and your driving skills. Ensure you are well prepared for winter roads and always adjust your driving speed to existing conditions.