Saint John police confirm at least 12 victims in sexual offences investigation at nursing home

The Saint John Police Force is investigating alleged sexual offences at a nursing home.

Police in Saint John, N.B., are investigating alleged “offences of a sexual nature” at a nursing home with at least a dozen victims identified between their 70s and 90s.

The Saint John Police Force said it received information from a long-term care facility last week leading to the investigation, and that 12 families of affected seniors had been notified.

The police force said there’s a possibility more victims will be identified.

A memo from Loch Lomond Villa was sent to the resident families on Friday, saying the administration had “became aware of a serious situation at the Village that is now under investigation by the Saint John Police Force’s Family Protection Unit.”

The facility has 100 long-term care beds across four resident houses.

Police said a suspect had been identified, but did not provide additional information of any pending charges on Tuesday.

“This individual is not an employee nor are they a resident of the facility,” said Saint John Police Force Sgt. Shawna Fowler in a statement. “Steps have been put in place by the facility to ensure the ongoing safety of the residents.”

Loch Lomond Villa CEO Ashley King said the presence of an on-site security company had been added to the location since last week.

“Loch Lomond Villa continues to review and strengthen procedures to support resident safety,” said King in a statement. “We understand the concern this situation raises for residents, families, and staff, and we are committed to maintaining open communication while respecting the privacy of those involved and the integrity of the investigation. For that reason, there are limits to what we can share at this time.”

The police force said it had established a dedicated phone line for the families of affected residents to connect with an investigator, and that anyone who had any information should contact police.

New Brunswick Health Minister Dr. John Dornan said he couldn’t share any information about the investigation, when asked by reporters in Fredericton on Tuesday.

“I can confirm that the residents that are there are safe, that they’re not at risk of further violations,” said Dornan.

The Department of Social Development, which is responsible for files related to long-term care, had no comment on the investigation when asked Tuesday.

Cecile Cassista, executive director of the Coalition for Seniors and Nursing Home Residents’ Rights, said she was concerned more information wasn’t released about the identified suspect. Cassista also said the provincial government should be more forthcoming where there are abuse investigations at long-term care facilities in the province.

“We’re talking about people who are vulnerable, that basically are not able to speak for themselves, and it’s so sad when these kind of things happen,” said Cassista in an interview. “I’m really pleased the home did reveal, or make it open, because I’m a firm believer that had it gone directly to social development, I don’t think that we’d know as much as we know today.”

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

• Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety.
• The Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres' website has a comprehensive list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling. 
• The Ending Violence Association of Canada‘s website has links to helplines, support services and locations across Canada that offer sexual assault kits.
• Indian Residential School Survivors Society crisis lines: [phone] or [phone] (24/7)
• Toronto Rape Crisis Centre crisis line: [phone] (24/7)
• Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: [phone] (24/7)
• Trans Lifeline: [phone]
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 988 (24/7)
• Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre for current and former Canadian Armed Forces members: [phone]
• Read about your rights as a victim on the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime website.

For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.