Historical sexual assault case involving former Girl Guide Canada leader under investigation

Police charged a former Girl Guides leader in connection with a historic sexual assault case.

York Regional Police have charged a Girl Guide of Canada leader from the Town of Georgina with an historical sexual assault dating back to 1998.

Police began their investigation in March one person came forward to report sexual abuse by their Pathfinder Leader between January 1998 and September 2002, when they were younger than 16-years-old.

At the time of the alleged incidents, the youth leader was 38 years old.

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On April 21, police charged Karen Spence, 64, of Georgina with three counts of sexual assault and three counts of sexual exploitation of a young person.

Police say Spence worked as a Girl Guide of Canada leader in Georgina between 1995 and 2001. Spence was a Sparks and Pathfinders leader during those dates. Spence also worked as a youth hockey coach and referee.

Investigators say they believe there may be more victims and have released Spence’s photo and are asking other possible victims to contact them.

In a release, police reiterate that there is no statute of limitations for sexual offences. Anyone in need of support can contact York Region Victim Services or the Women’s Support Network.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Special Victims Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7075, or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.