Catholic priest charged with sexual assault of church volunteer in Ontario town

Police in an Ontario town have charged a Catholic priest with sexual assault.

The investigation began in February after the Halton Regional Police Service received a report about the alleged sexual assault of an adult female victim.

Police say the assault happened while the victim was volunteering at an Oakville church.

Halton police say Ranjan D’Sa, 53, of Oakville, has been charged with one count of sexual assault.

The accused was released on an undertaking with a future court date scheduled in Milton.

Police say D’sa has been a member of the clergy since 2010, and was working at St. Dominic’s Roman Catholic Church in Oakville since 2016. He was listed as a member of the clergy on the church’s website on Tuesday.

Attempts to contact the church for comment were unsuccessful.

Investigators are concerned there may be additional victims and are requesting anyone with information to contact the Halton police Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit at 905-825-4777 ext. 8970.

Anonymous tips may also be provided to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or visiting www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca. When you contact Crime Stoppers you stay anonymous, never have to testify, and could receive a $2,000 reward.