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Arrest made in historical sexual assault investigation

Investigators believe that there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward
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NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE
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In August of 2018, members of the Niagara Regional Police Service Sexual Assault Unit entered into an investigation involving allegations of historical sexual assault between September and October of 2004 in the City of Welland.

As a result of the investigation; on Jan. 10, 2019 an arrest was made in relation to the assault on a then 17-year-old male.

Fifty-three-year-old Robert Edward Austin Anderson is facing the alleged charges of:
    •    Sexual assault Section 271 of the Criminal Code
    •    Sexual exploitation Section 153(1)(a) of the Criminal Code

Anderson was held in custody pending a bail hearing on Jan. 11, 2019 at the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in the City of St Catharines.

Investigators believe that there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Sexual Assault Unit at (905) 688-4111, option 4 ext. 5100.

Information on crimes can also be submitted anonymously using Crime Stoppers of Niagara.

To leave an anonymous tip, please contact Crime Stoppers via:
Telephone - 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS)
Online - www.niagaratips.ca

Crime Stoppers guarantees that you will remain anonymous through any of the methods offered to provide tips. You may also be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000 if the information leads to an arrest.

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