Acadia Broadcasting File Photo

A 51 year old Thunder Bay man is facing a total of 15 charges in connection to historic sexual assaults in the city.

Thunder Bay Police say they believe the incidents date back as far as 2013, but only became aware of the incidents within the last couple of weeks and began investigating.

Members of the Major Crimes unit were reviewing digital evidence in connection to another ongoing, but unrelated investigation, when they learned of an incident of sexual assault involving an unconscious female victim.

Further investigation revealed multiple victims.

On June 20th officers executed a search warrant at a north side home, where according to Detective Sergeant Jason Rybak several electronic devices were seized.

“The initial review of these devices investigators have learned there are possibly other victims, who investigators currently are unable to identify.”

So far all but one of the four identified victims who have come forward are adults, and were known the the accused.

It is also believed the victims may have been incapacitated by the accused, and may not have a full memory of their interaction.

Police are encouraging anyone who believes they might have been a victim to come forward, and if not to police, Ryback says there are other options.

“We have a great sexual assault centre here, I would encourage that maybe they reach out to them and speak with them. They certainly have all kinds of resources. We have victim resources here that can help, and so I encourage they reach out to get some support, before maybe getting to that point where they’re comfortable coming and talking to the police.”

In addition to the electronic devices, several firearms and some suspected cocaine was also seized.

He’s been charged with:
• Sexual Assault x 2
• Voyeurism x 2
• Sexual Interference
• Sexual Exploitation
• Uttering Threats – Death or Bodily Harm
• Invitation to Sexual Touching Under 16
• Overcome Resistance by Attempting to Choke, Suffocate or Strangle another Person
• Possession of Child Pornography
• Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon x 4
• Careless Storage of a Firearm x 4
• Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon x 3
• Tampering with Serial Number of a Firearm
• Possession of Cocaine

He appeared in court today and has been remanded into custody.