According to police, in August 2015, the Niagara Regional Police Service Sexual Assault Unit began an investigation into the historical sexual abuse of young boys at the Bethany Community Church in the City of St Catharines. As a result of the investigation, on August 20, 2015, an arrest was made.
Charged with 2 counts of Sexual Assault, 2 counts of Sexual Interference and 3 counts of Invitation to Sexual Touching is Christopher Witte, 31 years old, from the City of St Catharines. He is scheduled to appear in Bail Court on August 21, 2015, at 59 Church Street in the City of St Catharines.
Christopher Witte is a long standing volunteer with the Bethany Community Church and the coordinator of many youth programs. Investigators have reason to believe that he used his influence with the Church to target potential victims whom he would later victimize. Investigators also have reason to believe that there are a number of victims who have not yet come forward to police.
Recently and up until his arrest, Christopher Witte has had regular contact with young boys through his position at the Bethany Community Church. Parents who have enrolled their children in youth groups at the Bethany Community Church should be aware of this.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Detective M. Ryan of the Sexual Assault Unit at extension 5100.
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