Oakville Catholic priest charged with sexual assault after investigation

Halton police have charged a Catholic priest with sexual assault following an investigation in Oakville.

Officers say an investigation began in February into the alleged sexual assault of a woman, while she was volunteering at a church in Oakville.

Detectives say as a result of the investigation, 53-year-old Rev. Ranjan D’Sa of Oakville was charged with one count of sexual assault.

D’Sa was released on an undertaking with an appearance at a Milton courthouse set for a future date.

The priest has been a member of the clergy since 2010, and employed with St. Dominic’s Roman Catholic Church in Oakville since 2016.

A statement from The Roman Catholic Diocese of Hamilton says they were first informed of the allegation following the Halton police report.

They say the priest was immediately removed from the parish and is prohibited from all priestly ministry pending the outcome of the investigation.

Investigators say they are worried there may be additional victims and have released a photo of D’Sa.

Police are requesting anyone with information to contact the Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit at 905-825-4777 ext. 8970.

Tips can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or by going online to their official website here.

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