A retired Ontario teacher from York Region has been charged in connection with historical sexual offences committed against “several children,” police said.
In a press release Tuesday, York Regional Police said in June of 2021 officers launched an investigation into a retired school teacher after police received information regarding a sexual assault.
Officers said during the investigation, four victims reported incidents from their Grade 4 class between 1977 and 1980 at a public school in Nobleton, Ont.
According to police, three female victims reported sexual offences, while one male victim reported a physical assault.
Police said Lawrence Fritz, 73, had been arrested.
He has been charged with three counts of gross indecency, three counts of indecent assault, forcible confinement and assault with intent.
Police said Fritz was a teacher in the York Region District School Board full time for “many years” and continued working as a supply teacher until he retired in 2020.
“Investigators believe there may be more victims,” the press release reads. “Anyone with information is urged to come forward.”
In an email to Global News, Licinio Miguelo a spokesperson for the York Region District School Board, said the charges are “concerning.”
“And we continue to cooperate fully with York Regional Police,” the email reads. “We know that some students may be triggered by the news and we will be providing support to any student that may need it.”
Miguelo said the health and safety of students is the board’s “first priority and we have processes in place to deal with such matters, including our continued full cooperation with York Regional Police.”