Man charged with historical Sexual assaults on children - police seeking other victims

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, June 16, 2021   3:30pm 

(Ottawa) — The Ottawa Police Service Sexual Assault and Child Abuse (SACA) Unit has charged a man following an investigation into historical sexual assaults that occurred between July 1^st, 1978 and March 31^st, 2006. 

John RIETVELD, 67 years old, of Ottawa was charged with 

• Buggery
• Indecent Assault on a male
• Sexual Assault    x2
• Sexual Interference with a Person under 16    x2
• Invitation to Sexual Touching with Person under 16    x2 

SACA investigators believe there could be other victims, both boys and/or girls, as offences were reported to have occurred in the Niagara Region, Mississauga, Perth and Ottawa. RIETVELD was active with the Scout movement from 1975 to 2011.  It is alleged that one of the victims was assaulted while at a Jamboree. 

RIETVELD was scheduled to appear in court today. 

Anyone with information is asked to call the Ottawa Police Service Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 5944. Tips may also be sent electronically to SACA@ottawapolice.ca. 

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca. 

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CONTACT:

Media Relations Section

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366