The North Bay Police Service has charged a 70-year-old man with multiple sexual assault charges, which occurred while he was employed as a counsellor for Algonquin Child and Family Services, now Hands the Family Help Network.
Police say on multiple occasions in 2004 a man, while employed as a counsellor for Algonquin Child and Family Services, is alleged to have sexually assaulted a client who was a minor at the time the incidents occurred.
The North Bay Police Service arrested Eric William Crowther of North Bay on July 18. At the time of arrest, he was employed as a counsellor at Hands the Family Help Network. He also operates an independent counselling and therapy practice called Eric W Crowther, Registered Social Worker.
His website says he received his Master of Social Work degree with a concentration in individual, family, and group therapy from Wilfrid Laurier University in 1985.
Crowther says, "My passions, outside of God, family and work, are photography, gardening, reading (history, psychology, and theology), writing, and canoeing."
The North Bay Police Service says it has reason to believe that Crowther may have victimized other individuals who have not yet reported the incidents to police.
"We encourage any potential victims to contact police regardless of how recently the incidents occurred," says a release.
Crowther is charged with:
- Three counts of sexual assault
- Invitation to sexual touching under 16 years of age
- Sexual Interference
If you or someone you know was victimized by the accused or if you have any additional information about this or similar incidents, contact the North Bay Police Service at 705-497-5555 and ask to speak with Detective Constable Sarah Marcotte or Detective Constable Megan MacPherson. If you are more comfortable providing information anonymously, please contact Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477.
Crowther was held in custody pending a bail hearing at the North Bay Courthouse.
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