A man described as being an active member of the Salvation Army church in Bowmanville, Ont. is facing several sexual assault-related charges allegedly involving two girls under the age of 12.
Durham police said Monday that they acted on information received as part of an on-going sexual assault investigation. Officers from 17 Division in Oshawa went to a home on Glen Street and found the suspect speaking with a 17-year-old girl in Cordova Valley Park.
Police followed the suspect after he left the park. In a nearby parking lot, police approached the man where he admitted to having a handgun, investigators said. After an altercation, police subdued the suspect and seized what they described as a "pellet pistol."
Police believe the suspect has been "engaged in an inappropriate sexual relationship with at least two females under the age of 12," a press release issued Monday said.
On Sunday, police executed a search warrant at the man's home and seized computer equipment and an unspecified number of tapes which allegedly depict the suspect sexually assaulting young victims, the press release said.
Ian Matthew Dean, 24, is charged with:
- Sexual assault;
- Sexual interference;
- Invitation to sexual touching; and
- Carrying a concealed weapon.
Police say Dean is "very active" in the church and investigators "are concerned there may be other victims."
Investigators ask anyone with information about this incident to call Det. Randy Norton or Det. Andy Bussanich of the Major Crime Sexual Assault Unit at (905) 579-1520, ext. 5363. Tips can also be sent anonymously by calling Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 222-TIPS (8477).
