Criminal charges have been laid against the leader of a church in the Township of Chatsworth, but his whereabouts are unknown.

Grey County OPP announced Monday that a total of 31 charges - some dating back about 35 years - have been laid against the leader of the Church of Jesus Christ Restored, Frederick Madison King, 55, and his brother, Judson William King, 59.

Frederick King hasn't been seen since allegations of physical and sexual assault against him came forward and police began investigating in late 2012, according to an OPP news release. A warrent has been issued for his arrest.

"We can't speculate on where he would be. We don't know," said OPP Sgt. Dave Rektor. "If we did we would certainly have him in custody."

Frederick King is described as being a white man, approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 centimetres) tall with a heavy build and brown hair. Police would like to speak with anyone who may know his whereabouts.

After a 16-month OPP investigation, Frederick King has been charged with sexual exploitation, sexual interference, three counts of sexual assault, three counts of assault causing bodily harm, five counts of uttering death threats, two counts of assault with a weapon and 10 counts of assault.

Rektor said the investigation was a very meticulous, involving several victims.

"Basically we followed the evidence and took it to where it led us and laid the appropriate charges as has been done in this case," said Rektor.

In late 2012, the "cult-like" Chatsworth church was thrust into the public spotlight when Owen Sound resident Carol Christie alleged in media interviews she spent close to 40 years under the brainwashed control of Stan King, then his son Fred.

Her story involved claims of polygamy, historical sexual abuse and missed police opportunities to uncover it. She wrote a book, with her husband John Christie, about her experience called "Property. The True Story of a Polygamous Church Wife." None of the allegations have been proven in court.

"It is good news," Carol Christie said Monday on hearing charges had been laid. "It has been a long and weary journey to get here and I am really encouraged that the process has reached this point. We are hoping for the best."

Christie said writing the book and getting her story out has helped her immensely in the healing process.

"This community they have been great, so supportive and it has meant so much to me," said Christie.

Grey County OPP were called in on Nov. 20, 2012, to investigate the allegations at the church located on Conc. 2-3 of the former Holland Township.

The investigation resulted in the charges, some dating back to 1978 and involving seven victims.

All victims were members of the church during the time the alleged offences were reported to have occurred, the OPP news release said.

Police will not be releasing any additional information that identifies the victims.

Frederick King's brother, Judson King, of Oakville, has been charged with assault with a weapon, uttering death threats and four counts of assault. He is to appear in court in Owen Sound on May 15 to answer to the charges.

Rektor said no more charges are expected to be laid unless more information comes to light.

"Often times in cases like this, especially when you are dealing with historic incidents, other things happen, other information comes forward," said Rektor. "We would never say that no charges would be additional. We will see what happens."

Anyone with information about Frederick King's whereabouts is asked to call Grey County OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.