WARNING: The following story contains graphic details that may be disturbing to some readers. Discretion is advised.
Tearful testimony Tuesday morning (Nov. 5) from one alleged victim who recounted how they were sexually abused as a child, during the second day of a historic sex crimes trial.
A 51-year old Raymond man, who’s identity is protected under a publication ban, is facing four counts of sexual assault and a single count of sexual interference.
The victim says they were about eight-years old in the mid-1980s and the accused was 18. It’s alleged that the man performed oral sex on the child and touched them inappropriately multiple times. The victim says they didn’t fully understand what was going on at the time, but knew it was wrong and felt angry and ashamed about it.
The victim says the abuse stopped only when the man left Canada in the late 80’s on a mission with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. While he was still away on his mission, the victim says they received a lengthy letter from the man apologizing for his actions and for the burden he placed on them.
The court has heard the accused became a bishop for his local church in 2016, and the victim chose to report the abuse to police since church officials refused to remove him from the position, even though they were aware of the allegations.
The judge alone trial in Lethbridge Court of Queen’s Bench is expected to last two weeks.