CANADA
London Free Press
APRIL KEMICK, Free Press Reporter 2005-07-30 04:35:58
An 82-year-old retired priest, who worked in the Chatham area, is charged with five sexual offences involving girls more than 30 years ago.
The charges relate to complaints dating back to between 1971 and 1973.
The priest -- now living in Belle River, near Windsor -- at the time was the head pastor at St. Ursula's Roman Catholic Church in Chatham, police said yesterday.
All three female complainants, between ages 10 and 13 at the time, were parishioners at the church, police said.
No one at St. Ursula's or the Roman Catholic diocese could be reached for comment yesterday.
After receiving one complaint a few months ago, police began investigating and two more victims came forward.
Chatham-Kent police are continuing to investigate allegations involving other complainants, which could take some time, police said.
"Historical allegations of sexual assault are complex and time-consuming to investigate," said Insp. George Flikweert.
Charles Henry Sylvestre of Belle River was arrested July 21, police said.