(St. John’s, NL), June 22, 2023 – The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) Criminal Investigation Division (CID) have filed additional charges connected to an ongoing investigation into sexual violence in St. John’s.
In November of 2022, the RNC Operational Patrol Services Division (OPS) received a report related to historical sexual violence by an adult upon youth in St. John’s. The RNC assembled a Major Case Management Team (MCMT) to investigate the report. At this stage in the investigation, 62-year-old Tony HUMBY and 80-year-old Bruce ESCOTT have been charged with offences related to sexual violence upon youth in connection with multiple complaints.
As a result of the ongoing investigation, the RNC MCMT have filed additional charges on 80-year-old Bruce ESCOTT from St. John’s in connection with sexual violence upon two males from the St. John’s region, one youth and one 18-year-old at time of the events. ESCOTT has been charged with the following offences:
Youth male, believed to have occurred between 2008 and 2012
– Invitation to sexual touching
– Sexual assault
18-year-old male, believed to have occurred between 1995 and 1996
– Sexual assault x 2
– Forcible confinement
The accused remains in custody and has appeared in Provincial Court in relation to these charges.
As this investigation remains active, the RNC continues to seek any information in relation to acts of sexual violence and exploitation of youth. If you have information to assist, you can contact the investigative team directly at reach@rnc.gov.nl.ca. You can also contact the RNC at 729-8000, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You can now provide information anonymously on the NL Crime Stoppers Website at www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app #SayItHere.
The Journey Project is a reliable support for survivors of sexual violence, which is a collaborative initiative between the Public Legal Information Association of NL and the NL Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Center. This initiative is available to enhance supports for survivors in navigating the justice system. Please visit Home – The Journey Project to learn more about this community partner.
Anyone experiencing anxiety or crisis as a result of this information, please contact the NL mental Health Crisis Line at 8-1-1. You can also seek support through the NL Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Center. In addition, the RNC Mental Health Mobile Crisis Response Team will respond to crisis where and when it occurs, and can be contacted at 729-8000, or in a case of an emergency at 9-1-1.
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File # 2022-66903
Cst. James. C. Cadigan #775
Media Relations & Public Communication
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
media@rnc.gov.nl.ca