Additional victims sought in decades-long sexual assault investigation

Patrick Fair is facing five sexual assault charges and RCMP are seeking additional victims. (Supplied)

RCMP are looking for additional victims following a decades-long sexual assault investigation in central Alberta.

In October, Mounties received a report of a sexual assault involving a female youth in Spruce Grove. Investigators subsequently identified five additional victims.

Patrick Willis Fair, 69, now faces five counts of sexual assault. He has since been released and is to appear in court on March 25.

Police believe there could be more victims with assaults occurring as early as 1984 and are releasing Fair’s details in hopes of identifying them.

“Due to the period of time these offences are alleged to have occurred, it is our concern that additional victims may exist and have not yet come forward,” said Cpl. Rachel Geense in a statement.

Fair is described as having a fair complexion, standing five-foot-11 and weighing about 176 pounds. He has a slender build, white hair and wears glasses.

If you or someone you know was a victim of Fair, police ask that you call the Parkland Specialized Investigations Unit at 825-220-2085 or Parkland RCMP at 825-220-7267. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers.

Spruce Grove is about 25 kilometres west of Edmonton.

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]