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Retired Priest Charged In Sexual Abuse Investigation at Manitoba Residential School

Charges laid in alleged abuse that occurred over 50 years ago at Manitoba residential school.

Manitoba RCP have laid charges against a former priest, in connection with a decade-long sexual abuse investigation at a Manitoba residential school. 

Retired Father Arthur Masse, 92, has been charged with one count of indecent assault. 

RCMP say the alleged incident involved a 10 year old girl, and took place some time between 1968 and 1970 at Fort Alexander Residential School. 

Masse was arrested at his home on Thursday, and will appear in court on July 20th. 

He has been released with conditions. 

The investigation was launched in 2011, following a tip received the year prior. 

RCMP Sgt. Paul Manaigre says over 80 officers were involved in the investigation, and more than 75 witnesses were interviewed. 

"The size and scope of this investigation has meant many years of investigative work," said Manaigre. "While we have certainly had the steps involved in a police investigation top of mind throughout the whole process, we have also been very aware of the affect our investigation was having on the community. The emotional trauma experienced by victims of abuse is very real, and despite the years that intervened between the alleged occurrences and when police were investigating, that trauma is still present. Investigators were aware of that trauma and approached the investigation in a way intended to limit further injury."

The school opened in 1905 and closed in 1970. 

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