Former Brantford Scout Leader Charged with Historical Sexual Offences

On May 6, 2015 the Brantford Police Service arrested a 64 year old former Scout Leader from Brantford. An investigation commenced after the victim, now a 56 year old man reported being sexually abused by the accused over 40 years ago.

The victim reported being befriended by the accused a Scout Troop Leader in the early to mid-1970. The victim reports that the abuse took place in several locations while involved in Scout activities as well as at personal invitations to the accused home. The victim reported that on one occasion the sexual abuse took place during a group Scout Troop trip to England. The offences took place between 1972 and 1975.

Chesley (Chet) Edgar COWIE, 64 years of age (formerly of Brantford) of Port Hope is charged with the following offences;

Gross Indecency

Indecent Assault on a Male.

COWIE was held in custody for a bail hearing.

COWIE was a volunteer with Boy Scouts in Brantford and also a coach with the Brantford Church Hockey League.

Police believe there may be more victims. Anyone with related information is asked to call Detective Jason Davis, of the major crime unit at 519-756-0113 ext. 2273 or Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477.

If you are a survivor of child sexual abuse, remember the abuse was NOT your fault and there is no time limit on reporting the abuse to police.

Support and guidance is available through the Sexual Assault Centre of Brant – Male Survivors Program; http://sacbrant.ca/how-to-get-help/

Hope for Men (a not for profit organization healing men who have been sexually abused as children) http://hopeformen.ca/

Victim Services of Brant http://www.victimservicesbrant.on.ca/victim.htm

In Six Nations, victims can call Ganohkwasra Family Assault Support Services’ 24-hour crisis support line at 519-445-4324.

Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous are asked to contact Brant-Brantford Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477. Alternatively, a webtip may be submitted at: https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=251

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