The Nova Scotia Youth Centre in Waterville, N.S., pictured on Wednesday. The province’s RCMP says Donald Williams was arrested at his home last week in Dartmouth on sexual-assault charges.Darren Calabrese/The Globe and Mail
The Nova Scotia RCMP have laid dozens of sexual-abuse charges against a former swim instructor who worked at a provincially run youth detention centre for nearly three decades.
Donald Williams, 75, was arrested at his home last week in Dartmouth and faces 66 charges for sexual assault, sexual assault causing bodily harm, sexual exploitation, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching and assault.
He stopped working at the Nova Scotia Youth Centre, known as Waterville, in 2017. Police say additional charges are expected against Mr. Williams, who is scheduled to appear in Kentville Provincial Court Sept. 26.
Staff Sergeant Rob McCamon, the acting officer in charge of major crime and behavioural sciences, alleged Mr. Williams sexually assaulted more than 300 victims between the ages of 12 and 18 – all boys but for one.
“Because of the bravery and patience of those who come forward to report sexual abuse they suffered at the Nova Scotia Youth Centre so many years ago, that we’ve been able to arrest and charge their perpetrator,” said Staff Sgt. McCamon.