Cornwall Standard Freeholder

17 November 2009

Posted By DAVID NESSETH

CORNWALL – A former army cadet officer who pled guilty in May to sexually assaulting five city youth cadets is facing up to three-and-a-half years in prison.

The former cadet lieutenant, now 55, admitted to fondling, fellatio and simulated sex acts over a period of more than 20 years with the young boys.

One victim, now a grown man, addressed the court during Tuesday's sentencing submissions.

"He's not just another pedophile," the victim told the court in an impact statement. "He's a military man whom I looked up to."

The names of the victims and the accused are protected under a publication ban.

The victim said he initially believed the officer's interest in him meant that he had military potential, but when he realized the truth it crushed his ability to trust people in positions of authority.

At least one of the victim accounts, which date back to 1969, indicates the promise of a cadet promotion from the offending officer.

The former officer – now divorced and on disability – was responsible for issuing uniforms to army cadet corps members at the Cornwall Armouries. He also had involvement as a band instructor.  

Assistant Crown attorney Jason Pilon said the victims felt compelled to comply with the sexual advances due to the officers rank, large physical stature, and his age.

"Their parents entrusted him to take care of their children," Pilon said. 

Pilon added: "Sexual violence against children has a terrible ripple effect, and it doesn't go away."

 Brockville defense lawyer Larry O'Brien asked the court for a conditional sentence of nine to 15 months for his client.

He noted that the former officer did not have intercourse with the cadets, nor did he harm them physically.

O'Brien added that his client has no criminal record and has indicated remorse for his actions. 

O'Brien also told the court that his client was sexually abused as a child. 

The offender, charged in 2007, has been under a number of strict bail conditions. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 24 in Cornwall.

Article ID# 2180017

Comments on this Article.

 O'brien, you have to be kidding right? This "person" did not harm them physically? And he is remorseful - if so, he should not have done what he did, he only has remorse because he was caught. Our justice system in Canada is not very just for the victims - the criminals get a slap on the wrist, words of encouragement to do better, and hand held along the way. What do we offer to the victims? What does it say to others who do these acts - don't worry about it, you won't have to pay much if you are caught. IF one looks at the uniforms of officers of Corrections Canada - note the word CORRECTIONS- what exactly are they correcting? And for the record, I have a degree in Sociology - Criminology - I support any govt that will make substantive changes to the sentences of those who abuse and molest children or commit heinous acts on others like serial killers. Why don't people get behind this - and stop being so liberal with people who hurt us and our society.

Diana K

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #1 By majekin,:  

Well said majekin.

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #2 By copasetic,

O'Brien next time your at the northend of Brockville. Hang around TISS during the lunch break. And witness your client drooling over the teenage boys walking back to school or mall. I have personally witnessed this scenerio more than on one occassion. Strict bail conditions what are they?

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #3 By babyjazz,

This pervert should be castrated and then branded with a big "P" for pedophile on their forehead then released into the community. I'm thinking he just might find what he is looking for or at least what he deserves!

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #4 By #one blaster,

 Just go,s to show you how we take care of pediphiles in this city.He should get 10 to 20 years in the slammer.Then maybe these pediphiles will think twice before they touch children.WE just spent 50 million on an inquirey and they want to give this animial 3 years.

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #5 By luckyred