Man charged in sexual assaults at N.B. seniors home was related to a resident: police

SAINT JOHN – A 69-year-old man charged with the sexual assault of 15 people at a seniors care home in New Brunswick was a family member of one of the residents, police said Thursday.

Staff Sgt. Shawna Fowler with the Saint John Police Force said in an email the investigation is concluded and there are no additional presumed victims or suspects. She released no other details about the accused and his relationship to a resident at the Loch Lomond Villa, a care home in the city’s east end.

Earlier this week, police said they had arrested the man without incident for sexual assaults that allegedly occurred between Dec. 26, 2025, and Jan. 19. Police said the 15 victims range in age from their 70s to their 90s. 

“This was a challenging, complex investigation given the vulnerability of the victims,” Chief Robert Bruce of the Saint John Police Force said in a statement on Tuesday. 

“Our investigators worked tirelessly to bring the accused before the courts, while respecting the dignity of the victims. We appreciate the assistance of the staff at the senior care facility as well as the patience, understanding and support of the victims’ families during this very difficult investigation.”

Police said the accused, whose identity has not been made public, has been released on conditions and is scheduled back in court in May. 

The municipal police force first announced that it received a complaint from a seniors care facility on Jan. 21. About a week later, officials at Loch Lomond Villa confirmed it had made the complaint and was fully co-operating with the investigation. 

The care home said in a statement Thursday that the accused has not been permitted on the property since the investigation began and the restriction remains in place. “We recognize that this situation has been deeply concerning for residents, families, staff, and the broader community,” said the statement. 

“Since the outset of this investigation, our priority has been to support those affected while ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone at Loch Lomond Villa. We continue to work closely with the Saint John Police Force family protection unit as their investigation moves forward.”

Minister of Seniors Lyne Chantal Boudreau issued a statement saying the allegations are horrific and that her thoughts are with everybody involved.

“Seniors deserve to live in environments where they are safe, respected and cared for with dignity,” said the minister. “New Brunswickers place a great deal of trust in long-term care facilities, and that trust is something we take incredibly seriously. This is not only part of my mandate as minister; it is my personal commitment to New Brunswick seniors, their loved ones, and those who support them.”

The Loch Lomond facility, which opened in 1973, is described on its website as a “complete life-care centre.” Loch Lomond Villa consists of two sites: the main building, known as the villa, and a second building across the street, known as the village. 

The villa includes a 90-bed nursing home, administration offices, a cafe, theatre and other amenities. As for the village, it includes a 100-bed nursing home consisting of four houses, each of which has 25 residents. Also part of Loch Lomond are three independent-living apartment buildings, one of which includes an 18-bed special-care home.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 5, 2026.