Victoria, BC – VicPD Special Victims Unit investigators are searching for additional victims after arresting a 70-year-old Victoria man for a series of sexual assaults that took place in the late 1970s and continued for several years.
Harry Charles Sadd, a 70-year-old Victoria man, was arrested for the assaults after the victim, now an adult, came forward. Inspired by Theo Fleury and Sheldon Kennedy, who publicly shared their own stories of sexual abuse at the hands of trusted adults, the victim disclosed to investigators multiple accounts of sexual assaults that occurred while he was a child and teen.
Sadd, who was a former youth badminton coach, has previous convictions for sexual assaults involving young male children and teens. Based on these similar convictions and the victim’s accounts, investigators believe there are other victims in the Greater Victoria area who have not yet come forward.
“All victims of sexual assault deserve to be heard,” SVU Sgt. Kristi Ross said. “Our investigation tells us that there are likely others out there who have been hurt by this man. Harry Sadd’s actions have left these victims to carry the burden of what he has done their entire lives, often suffering in silence. They no longer have to suffer. We will listen. We will believe you.”
Investigators have discovered that Sadd worked as a teacher in Alberta and may have worked in a similar capacity in other provinces. So far, our investigation indicates that there are likely to be victims in other provinces as well and investigators are hoping to speak with these men. In an effort to locate the unheard victims, investigators are releasing two photos of Sadd. The first photo is from 1992. The second is a more recent photo.
Harry Charles Sadd in August 1992
Harry Charles Sadd in August 2016
The Men’s Trauma Centre has long partnered with police in supporting men who have survived abuse. They are offering their support to men who may have been victimized by Sadd.
If you have been victimized by Harry Charles Sadd, or if you have any information about his activities with children and have not yet spoken to police, officers are asking you to call our non-emergency line at (250) 995-7654. Alternatively, you can contact the Men’s Trauma Centre at (250) 381-MENS(6367) or visit www.menstrauma.com. To report what you know anonymously, please call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Harry Charles Sadd faces three counts of Indecent Assault By a Male on a Male Person*, and one count of Sexual Assault.
*Those accused of historical offences are charged based on the Criminal Code and jurisdiction of the time at which the offence occurred.
SVU Det. Sgt. Ross spoke about this file and our ongoing investigations today. You can watch this event below.
LIVE on #Periscope: #HarryCharlesSadd press conference https://t.co/yNmfYGnR69
— Victoria Police (@vicpdcanada) August 24, 2016
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Harry Sadd was released on numerous conditions including:
-No contact, no communication directly or indirectly or be alone with any person known to be or reasonably appears to be 18 years or less
– No go to any public park, school ground, daycare centre swimming pool, playground, skating rink, community centre or rec centre where the age of 18 years or less are present ore reasonably expected to be present