A former swim instructor, aged 75, has been arrested on numerous charges linked to alleged sexual offenses involving 30 young individuals at a Nova Scotia juvenile detention center from 1989 to 2015, according to the RCMP. Staff Sgt. Rob McCamon expressed deep concern during the announcement of Donald Douglas Williams’ arrest in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, on Saturday. McCamon emphasized the trust that the victims, who were between 12 and 18 years old while at the center, should have had in the instructor who abused them.
The accused, who worked as a swim instructor at the Nova Scotia Youth Centre in Waterville from 1988 to 2017, faces a total of 66 charges related to his activities at the facility. These charges include sexual assault causing bodily harm, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, and assault. McCamon hinted at additional charges being laid against Williams in the future.
The RCMP’s investigation, known as Operation Headwind, began in 2018. In July 2023, it was confirmed that 70 cases of alleged sexual assault were under investigation at the center, situated around 100 kilometers northwest of Halifax. A confidential tip line was established to encourage survivors and witnesses to come forward and share information.
McCamon urged anyone with details about the incidents at the center to step forward. The investigation involved interviewing 450 survivors and witnesses across Canada and reviewing over 9,800 documents. The complexity of historical sexual assault cases, especially in an institutional context, required meticulous attention to detail and extensive communication with the individuals involved.
Williams has been released from custody and is expected to appear in provincial court in Kentville on September 26. The Nova Scotia Youth Centre, which opened in 1988, accommodates male and female youths serving custody sentences or awaiting court hearings. Investigators continue to encourage survivors and anyone with information to contact the Operation Headwind tipline for assistance.
For mental health support resources in Nova Scotia, individuals can refer to the province’s official website.
