A Catholic priest in Oakville has been charged with sexual assault following a police investigation.
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) says the investigation began in early February after receiving an allegation involving a woman who was volunteering at a church in Oakville. Investigators allege the incident occurred while the victim was at the church.
Police have charged 53-year-old Reverend Ranjan D’Sa of Oakville with one count of sexual assault. He has been released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court in Milton at a later date.
Investigators say D’Sa has been a member of the clergy since 2010 and has been employed at St. Dominic’s Roman Catholic Church in Oakville since 2016. Police are concerned there may be additional victims and are encouraging anyone with information, or anyone who may have been victimized, to contact the Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit at 905-825-4777 ext. 8970.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online.
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.
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.
Victims of violence and/or sexual assault can contact the Halton Regional Police Service Victim Services Unit at 905-825-4777 for support.
Additional information can be found here. A valuable resource for information is also available on the Survivors Voices website.
