Police have charged a Calgary senior in connection to a series of sexual assaults believed to have happened in a private dayhome in the community of Midnapore.
An investigation was launched after the assaults were reported to police by the parents of a young child who alleged they had been touched inappropriately by a man while at the southeast facility.
The parents said they found two other children at the residence who alleged they too had suffered through similar incidents.
Investigators believe the assaults occurred at a private, unlicensed dayhome in the 170 block of Midglen Place S.E. between 2013 and 2016.
According to police, the accused lives at the dayhome, and is known to the dayhome operator, who also lives at the address.
“We believe we have multiple victims being sexually abused on multiple times over the past several years,” S/Sgt. Robert Rutledge said in a morning news conference.
Police are hoping to speak with parents whose children attended the dayhome in the past, saying investigators have not been able to get in contact with all past clients.
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“It is frustrating for the investigators,” Rutledge said. “We know this dayhome has been in operation for at least the past 16 years, so we’re reaching out via the media to be in touch with parents who have may have utilized this service in the past.”
Kenneth Alfred Jenkinson, 69, is charged with three counts of sexual assault and three counts of sexual interference. He has been released from custody on the condition he not have any communication or contact with children under the age of 16
Jenkinson’s next court appearance is scheduled for Friday, July 8, 2016.
The charges come as a complete shock to a neighbour who has known the accused for a long time.
“I’ve known them personally for 25 years,” Maureen Williams said. “I am 100 per cent in support that Mr. Jenkinson is innocent. I would not hesitate to leave my grandchildren with him.”
Geri Bemister Director of Operations with the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre said it’s crucial the children in this case are heard.
“I think it’s very important for us as a society to start changing the culture around this conversation,” Bemister said. “Normalizing a conversation like this, so when children do come forward, there isn’t that idea that the child might be lying.”
Police said the age and gender of the alleged victims are not being released in order to protect their identities.
The dayhome has not been shut down following the allegations.
“The way dayhome licensing works, if you have less than seven children in the residence you don’t need to be licenced,” Rutledge said. “So in fact, the dayhome can still be in operation, as long as the accused is not present.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the Calgary Police Service non-emergency line at 403-266-1234 or contact Crime Stoppers.
For more information about to how recognize signs of child abuse, please visit the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre website at www.sheldonkennedycac.ca.
– With files from Tracy Nagai
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