APRIL 20, 2021 – The Ottawa Police Service Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Section charged a man who has been employed as a teacher, following an investigation into allegations of sexual offences involving students.
In March 2021, a police investigation was commenced into incidents that occurred between the fall of 2020 and March 2021 involving young girls under the ages of 14.
The investigation revealed incidents occurred while the accused was in the course of his duties as a teacher, while employed by the Ottawa Catholic School Board.
On April 20th, 2021, the Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit charged Rick WATKINS, 57 years old, of Ottawa, with three counts of Sexual Assault, three counts of Sexual Interference and three counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Young Person. At the time of the offences Mr. Rick WATKINS was known as Mr. Rick DESPATIE.
He is scheduled to appear in court later today.
SACA is concerned that there may be further victims.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Ottawa Police Service Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 5944.