Ontario Coptic priest charged with sexual assault of minor in 1990s: police

EAST GWILLIMBURY — Police north of Toronto have charged a 47-year-old priest with sexual assault of a child in a case dating back to the 1990s.

York regional police say the victim came forward last November to report they had been sexually assaulted on two occasions between 1996 and 1999, when they were under 16.

Police say the alleged assaults took place in Toronto and York Region.

Police say a Coptic Church priest from East Gwillimbury was arrested and charged last week with one count each of sexual assault and sexual interference.

Police say the accused was not a priest at the time of the alleged incidents.

Police believe there may be more victims.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 4, 2026.

The Canadian Press