Police in Canada have launched a major investigation into a series of alleged sexual offences targeting at least a dozen elderly residents at a long-term care facility in Saint John, New Brunswick. The disturbing case involves vulnerable senior citizens whose ages range from their seventies to nineties, all residing at the Loch Lomond Villa nursing home.
Initial Investigation Details
According to authorities, concerned employees at the 100-bed facility first alerted police on 21 January 2026. Two days later, the Saint John Police Department publicly announced they were investigating what they described as "offences of a sexual nature" at the nursing home. Staff Sergeant Shawna Fowler, who oversees the force's family protection unit, confirmed that more than a dozen residents are believed to have been affected by the alleged crimes.
"As we are still in the initial stages of the investigation and collecting information, that number could go up," Fowler told CBC News. She emphasised that investigators are continuing to interview witnesses, gather forensic evidence, and review potential video footage from the facility.
Suspect Identification and Safety Measures
Police have identified a suspect in the case but have stressed that the individual is neither a resident of the nursing home nor an employee. Authorities have not released further details about the suspect's identity or relationship to the facility.
In response to the allegations, Loch Lomond Villa administrators sent a memo to families of residents confirming they had become aware of a "serious situation" and had contacted authorities immediately. The nursing home's CEO, Ashley King, stated that all families of impacted residents have been informed about the situation.
"Upon receiving this information, the matter was reported to the police," King told CBC News. "Since the alarm was raised, new safety measures and on-site security have been brought in to ensure residents' immediate safety."
Nature of Allegations and Community Response
Police have indicated it is still too early to detail the specific nature of the alleged offences, which could range from sexual touching to sexual assault, or to determine how long the abuse may have continued. "We're just not there yet," Fowler said. "There are multiple victims, and we're still working to determine exactly what occurred."
The allegations have prompted renewed calls for stronger protections in long-term care facilities across New Brunswick. Cecile Cassista, executive director of the Coalition for Seniors and Nursing Home Residents' Rights, described the reported assaults as "disturbing" and "horrific".
"It's frightening to even think that this is happening in our homes," Cassista said, according to FOX8 reports. "We're talking about vulnerable people who can't defend themselves."
Official Statements and Support Services
New Brunswick's provincial health minister, Dr. John Dornan, addressed the situation by stating that residents are safe and "not at risk of further violations," though he did not comment on the specifics of the case. The Saint John police have established a dedicated phone line for families seeking information or wishing to speak directly with investigators about the ongoing case.
The investigation continues as authorities work to gather evidence and determine the full scope of the alleged offences against some of society's most vulnerable members in a care setting designed for their protection and wellbeing.
