More than 300 children are believed to be victims of a 75-year-old swimming instructor who allegedly groomed and molested boys as young as 12 over almost 30 years.
The horrific accusations of abuse brought investigators close to tears as they recounted dozens of charges against Donald Douglas Williams stemming from his work teaching at a correctional facility for minors from 1988 to 2017.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said they believe Williams assaulted more than 300 youths between the ages of 12 and 18 over the course of 26 years, from 1989 to 2015, while he worked at the Nova Scotia Youth Centre.
‘This instructor held a position of authority, and the young people he victimized should have been able to trust him and feel safe with him,’ said Staff Sergeant Rob McCamon, the acting officer in charge of Major Crime and Behavioral Sciences, during a press conference this week.
Williams is so far charged with 32 counts of sexual exploitation, 28 counts of sexual assault, three counts of sexual assault causing bodily harm, one count of sexual interference, one count of invitation to sexual touching, and one count of assault.
All of Williams’s alleged victims were boys, except for one girl, according to police.
While currently facing 66 charges, police expect more alleged victims to come forward as the investigation continues.
‘Because of the bravery and patience of those who come forward to report sexual abuse they suffered at the Nova Scotia Youth Centre so many years ago…we’ve been able to arrest and charge their perpetrator,’ said Sergeant McCamon.
Hellbound and Down 