A former pastor in Ottawa and Toronto is facing charges in connection with a historic sex assault investigation involving minors, according to the Ottawa Police Service.
Police initially announced the investigation and released the suspect’s name on Monday, but told CTV News Ottawa on Monday afternoon the suspect had not been arrested yet.
On Wednesday, police said James Andrew Evans, 64, of Ottawa had been arrested.
Evans is charged with three counts of sexual assault and sexual exploitation, and two counts each of sexual assault with a weapon and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
He also faces charges of possessing and accessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material and telecommunication, communicate with a person under the age of 18 for specific criminal offences.
Police say Evans, also known as Pastor James or Dr. James Evans, served as a pastor at the Chinese Christian Church of Ottawa from 2001 to 2005. He also served as pastor at the Toronto Chinese Mennonite Church from 1996 to 2001.
“Sexual assault is any touching of another person without their consent where the touching is of a sexual nature, or where the sexual integrity of the victim is violated. A sexual assault can range from unwanted touching to sexual assault involving penetration,” police said in a media release.
“There is no statute of limitation when it comes to reporting a sexual assault. This means that no matter how long ago the sexual assault happened, you can still report it to police for investigation.”
Police say investigators are concerned there may be additional victims.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service’s Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5944.
