Repeat offender pleads guilty to five counts of sexual assault
Northern News Services
01 August 1997
by Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services
INUVIK (Aug 01/97) – Moving about with the aid of a walker, his small and gaunt frame twisted by age and infirmity, 67-year-old Jerzy George Maczynski does not appear to be a threat.
But that’s exactly what he was for some of the students who lived at Grollier Hall in the late 60s and for young people in two other communities.
Twice Maczynski had appeared in court to face sexual assault charges, and twice he had been convicted.
His past came back to haunt him for a third time in territorial court here Tuesday. Wearing blue jeans and a green wind-breaker, Maczynski pleaded guilty to five of six counts of sexual assault dating back to 1966 and 1967, the two years he worked at Grollier Hall.
Maczynski is currently serving a 16-year sentence for sexual assault committed at a B.C. residential school.
Maczynski is scheduled to appear Tuesday in Yellowknife for sentencing by Judge Brian Bruser. Maczynski had requested immediate sentencing, but Judge Brian Bruser gave Crown prosecutor Bernadette Schmaltz a week to provide time to gather victim impact statements.
Those statements may be a way of bridging the gap of 30 years between crime and punishment, said victims advocate Dale Sharkey.
Hired to help deal with the fallout of the Grollier Hall investigation, Sharkey was in court to witness Maczynski’s appearance.
Sharkey said he will be offering those victimized by Maczynski a chance to have their say before sentencing.
“They do two things,” said Sharkey of victim impact statements. “It affects in some way the judge’s decision in terms of sentencing and it ensures the offender is aware of the consequences of his actions, how his abuses have affected them throughout their lives.”
Sharkey refused to discuss specific problems the abuse has caused, but said they can be related to misplaced anger, alcoholism or drug abuse.
“I think the investigation has brought home to a number of them the impact (the abuse) has had on their lives.”
The charges stem from a police investigation into former senior boys supervisor of the residence, Paul Leroux, who faces 40 counts of sexual assault. He is scheduled to appear in Yellowknife for a preliminary hearing Aug. 19.
Another former Grollier Hall worker, John Louie Comeau, 63, is charged with two counts of sexual assault. He was to appear in court Tuesday, but had his charges put over until Aug. 25, when he will appear in Inuvik.
According to police reports, more than 350 former residents of Grollier Hall were interviewed in the investigation, and a total of 21 victims identified.
I am one of the victims from this demon beast. I lived in shame and guilty for many years. My family became estranged with me, I gained a lot of addictions in which I have to deal with today. It is easier to recall the evil deeds this demon did to me. I shall never be healed but I will continue with my own healing journey until I leave this world. I am grateful for my grandchildren, the little things that mean so much to them. They accept so easily. I am sorry for some of the things I done but I accept myself as I am. In the work I do, I am part of a team that puts sex abusers away…..I am dedicated to the victims and how they come forth…..
Keep doing what you’re doing Harold: put the abusers away, help other victims who are struggling to come forward, enjoy your grandchildren, and keep fighting to conquer those addictions. My prayers, and I know the prayers of many others, are with you.
Sylvia Says: in post#2
“Keep doing what you’re doing Harold: put the abusers away, help other victims who are struggling to come forward, enjoy your grandchildren, and keep fighting to conquer those addictions. My prayers, and I know the prayers of many others, are with you.”
This is what I meant by getting this thread back on track Sylvia.
Harold COOK…good for you & keep up that courage!
Lina
Years of unknown emotions fear, guilt and shame even being suicidal kept me bound in a plague of deciet and dishonesty with myself and every one around me. I came forward in August 2008 when and admitted the hidden sexual assault that happened in Grollier Hall in 1961/62. I came forward when I pictured myself inside of a toilet bowl and how for many years people kept pulling me out until 28 August 2008 I pulled myself out. I was in counselling and said I never ever will be healed. The counsellor said just being here in counselling is the beginning of the healing journey. I was ashamed to say I was taking counselling but today I am not ashamed. I went through fire and got burnt in the counselling process however I released that child that was locked away in me for almost 50 years. Love myself and forgive those who hurt me because in Christ Jesus Whoi has given me a new life and strength I am able to forgive…
Thank you for posting a few words about your journey. As you probably know, Laroux is facing his accusers in Beauval now. He is quite outraged.
In the eastern Arctic, there are terrified victims of Eric DeJaeger who are struggling immensely right now. Counselling is certainly an struggle in the remote communities where they reside.
Please keep posting, Paul. Your faith and recovery brings hope in dark places.