York Regional Police (YRP) say more people may come forward after a retired Girl Guides of Canada leader was charged with six historical sex offences involving a child.
Officers arrested Karen Spence, 64, of Georgina on April 21 and laid three counts each of sexual assault and sexual exploitation of a person under 16.
YRP investigators allege the abuse happened between January 1998 and September 2002, when Spence was the victim’s Pathfinder leader and the girl was younger than 16.
Spence volunteered with the Girl Guides from 1995 to 2001, first as a Sparks leader and later guiding Pathfinders.
YRP says she also coached and refereed youth hockey during the same period.
Det.-Sgt. Mark Bowman said the investigation began in March after one survivor came forward.
“Given Spence’s long involvement with children, we believe there are additional victims who have not yet contacted us,” Bowman told reporters.
“We want them to know the door is always open.”
YRP have released Spence’s photo to reach anyone who may have been harmed.
Officers stress there is no statute of limitations on sexual offences and urge anyone with information to call the YRP Special Victims Unit or Crime Stoppers.
