Ottawa police have charged a former Sunday school teacher from Fitzroy Harbour with sexual assault and various weapons offences.
Paul Laframboise, age 73, has been charged with several offences including sexual assault, invitation to sexual touching, sexual interference, sexual exploitation, uttering threats and a variety of weapons offences.
These allegations have stunned residents of the community where Laframboise has lived for more than 50 years.
His wife Joyce said she is in shock.
“He’s a good man, you cannot live with someone for 52 years and not know him, could you?” she said.
Police said a number of victims are involved and that an investigation began when one person came forward to disclose past abuse.
They said the accused is a former Sunday school teacher and belonged to many churches in the area.
“We believe there may be more victims so anywhere that he may have been connected to minors we’re going to talk about,” said Ottawa Police Const. Marc Soucy.
“Any minors that may have been victims of his or anyone who knows victims of his we’re asking to please contact the police.”
A neighbour said Laframboise spent his life helping children in his community and through World Vision.
“He goes out of his way to help disadvantaged children,” said Mauno Backa.
Joyce said she will stand by her husband.
“I love him. He’s a good man. I will stand behind him and after 52 years he’s never hurt me and never will,” she said. “We’ve had a good life.”
Laframboise's work making arrows was featured on CTV Ottawa last week.
He was arrested on Oct. 19 and is expected to remain in custody until Wednesday. Police said additional charges are expected to be laid.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Ottawa Police Sexual Assault/Child Abuse Section at 613-236-1222 ext. 5944 or Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477 (TIPS) or toll free at 1-800-222-8477.
With a report from CTV Ottawa’s Catherine Lathem
