Final planned arrests in major Port Colborne sexual assault investigation
Investigation to remain open; 10 accused, eight victims identified
Niagara Regional Police say they have made the three final arrests in a major sexual assault investigation in Port Colborne which began in June.
Members of the special victims unit entered into the investigation after receiving allegations of sexual and physical abuse that occurred in Port Colborne over a period of 20 years. The investigation was headed by the sexual assault unit with assistance from the child abuse unit, domestic violence unit, internet child exploitation unit, special investigative services and members of district operations in 6 District Port Colborne.
On Nov. 28, members of the project team carried out the final planned arrests in the case.
Clem Laroche, 78, of Port Colborne, has been charged with sexual assault. Bruno Morin, 56, of Welland, has been charged with sexual assault. And Gerald Fleming, 52, of Port Colborne, who was the second person charged in the investigation, has been charged with failing to comply with recognizance.
Police say at this point no further arrests are anticipated, but the investigation will remain open in case more victims or witnesses come forward. Police say investigators believe there are people who have not yet come forward to fully participate in this investigation.
However, quite a few people have.
In all, investigators have interviewed more than 80 witnesses and have identified eight victims.
The alleged offences took place at a number of locations throughout Port Colborne, on a number of dates over the past 20 years. Ten people have been charged with the combined total of 74 alleged criminal offences.
All remain scheduled to appear in court to answer to the charges.
In a news release, Niagara police chief Bryan MacCulloch said these disturbing allegations have captured the attention of the community and that the response has been tremendous.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to the citizens of Port Colborne for coming forward to assist our investigators,” he said. “This investigation highlights the importance of partnering with our communities to address serious issues concerning the safety and well-being of our citizens. The Niagara Regional Police Service is committed to the continued engagement with all Niagara communities to ensure effective outcomes to policing issues.”
The special victims unit of the Niagara Regional Police Service is comprised of investigative units with specific mandates of investigating allegations of crimes committed against persons, especially in vulnerable circumstances, including; sexual assault, child abuse, domestic violence and elder abuse, investigative analysis (violent crime), internet child exploitation, cyber crime and technological crime.