RCMP Investigating Sexual Abuse at NS Youth Jail Spanning Three Decades

Police say there are at least 70 victims, more expected to come forward

The RCMP are investigating at least 70 cases of alleged sexual assault between 1988 and 2017 at a youth detention facility in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley, and believe more victims will come forward. Lead investigator Sgt. Brian Fitzpatrick, centre, speaks during a news conference announcing a confidential hotline for people with knowledge of the case to call, in Halifax, Wednesday, July 12, 2023. Const. Shannon Herbert, an investigator, (R), and Inspector Don Moser (L) also spoke to reporters. (Michael Tutton/The Canadian Press)

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are investigating decades of sexual abuse that allegedly occurred at a Nova Scotia youth detention centre, involving at least 70 victims who were youth at the time.

RCMP Corporal Chris Marshall told The Epoch Times on July 13 that this investigation, called Operation Headwind, has been ongoing for four and a half years but made public for the first time on July 12. It is not known how long the investigation will continue.

“Our investigators continue to diligently gather information and evidence. We anticipate that the investigation will continue for some time, however putting a timeline on how long, would be a disservice to the survivors who had the courage to come forward,” said Corp. Marshall.

The RCMP said that they have so far taken statements from more than 70 alleged victims as part of the investigation. The survivors, all male, have come forward alleging they were sexually abused at the government-owned Nova Scotia Youth Centre, in Waterville, Nova Scotia, commonly referred to as “Waterville,” between 1998 and 2017.

“We can report that the investigation is progressing and our investigative team is happy with the progress they are making,” said Corp. Marshall. The officer also said that the investigation started as a result of a complaint made directly to the RCMP.

“Investigators believe there are more survivors and people in the community who have additional information regarding this investigation and are encouraging them to come forward,” according to an RCMP news release on July 12.

Officers expect up to 200 people may come forward. Eleven investigators have been working on the case since 2019.

Massive Investigation

Sergeant Brian Fitzpatrick, a veteran sex crimes investigator and the lead investigator of Operation Headwind, said at a news conference at RCMP headquarters on July 12 that this is the biggest investigation he has ever been involved with in his 19 years of law enforcement service.

RCMP has opened a confidential toll-free hotline for victims or those who may have information on the case. Officers have not disclosed information about the alleged suspect or suspects in the case, or if it involves multiple perpetrators.

“We’re ready to listen to their story. If they’re not ready to come forward yet, when they’re ready, we will be here,” said Sgt. Fitzpatrick.

Inspector Don Moser, from RCMP assistant support services, also spoke at the news conference.

“After investigators identified more than 30 survivors and recognize that there could be hundreds more, the Nova Scotia RCMP assembled a larger dedicated investigative team,” said Insp. Moser.

He said the case presents a challenge due to its “sheer size, the amount of information we need to process and eventually disclose, and the amount of survivor witnesses who we have to deploy investigators to interview across Canada.”

Constable Shannon Herbert, one of the investigators, said the RCMP is focused on survivor well-being.

“We take that very seriously and after the fact we want to make sure that they have the support that they need,” said the officer.

Lawyer Mike Dull, with Nova Scotia law firm Valent Legal, filed a class action lawsuit against the province’s justice department in 2021, stating his clients were youths at the detention centre over a 29-year-span, and were allegedly subjected to unwanted inappropriate touching and in some cases sexual assault, leaving many with long term damage.

“They have had difficult lives as adults; the vast majority have been in and out of prison,” said Mr. Dull.

The lawyer said his first client came forward in 2017, with allegations he was sexually abused as a youth at the jail. Mr. Dull said he has since been inundated with other calls, and that the same situation allegedly happened “to dozens and dozens of young boys over three decades.”

The province said it was cooperating with police with regard to the very “concerning” allegations and were taking the matter “very seriously.”

“The individual referenced in the class action lawsuit is no longer an employee of the province. As that matter is before the court, we are not able to provide further comment at this time,” said Deborah Bayer, a spokesperson with the justice department.

The Canadian Press contributed to this report.