A 73-year-old man from Georgina, Ontario, has been arrested and charged with historical sexual assaults that allegedly occurred decades ago while he served as a Boy Scout leader in York Region. The accused, Aubrey Wayne Stentiford, commonly known as Wayne, faces serious allegations involving children under the age of 16 during the early 1970s.
Details of the Allegations and Arrest
York Regional Police reported that several alleged victims came forward earlier this year to disclose incidents of sexual assault dating back to the 1970s. These complainants were all minors at the time of the alleged offenses. On Wednesday, investigators from the Special Victims Investigation Unit arrested Stentiford, charging him with four counts each of indecent assault of a male and gross indecency.
Connection to Boy Scouts and Community Roles
Stentiford worked as a leader with the 6th Newmarket Boy Scouts in Newmarket from the early 1970s until approximately 1976. During this period, he also had ties to the Kawartha Lakes Region, according to police statements. In addition to his involvement with Boy Scouts Canada, Stentiford was employed as a school bus driver in York Region at the time of his arrest, raising concerns about potential broader community impact.
Police Concerns and Call for Information
Investigators have expressed significant concern that there may be additional alleged victims who have not yet come forward. To aid in the ongoing investigation, police have released a photo of Stentiford and are urging anyone with relevant information to contact authorities. They emphasize that sexual assault includes any non-consensual contact of a sexual nature and can be reported at any time, as there is no statute of limitations for such offenses in Canada.
How to Report Information
Anyone with details related to this case is encouraged to call the Special Victims Unit at 1-866-876-5423, extension 7075, or to provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). The police stress the importance of community cooperation in ensuring justice and supporting potential victims.
This case highlights the lasting impact of historical sexual assaults and the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address such crimes, regardless of how much time has passed since the alleged incidents occurred.
