For Immediate Release
Bridgewater Police Service
Media Release
Date: June 10, 2022
Subject: Charges arise from reported historical sexual assaults in Bridgewater
On February 16, 2022, the Bridgewater Police Service General Investigation Section (GIS) received a report of an historical sexual assault involving a victim who was young child at the time.
Police began a months-long investigation and subsequently identified five more victims who reported being sexually assaulted as young children by one individual, with the offences spanning a time frame from 1978 to 1981.
The investigation revealed that most of the incidents occurred at a place of faith gatherings and a male, who was at the time an employee of the organization where the offences occurred, has been charged.
John Nathaniel NAUSS, 67, of Toronto, has been charged with a total of 19 offences, including:
- Act of gross indecency (9 counts)
- Indecently assaulting a victim (10 counts)
Nauss was arrested by Toronto Police Service and released on an undertaking with strict conditions. He is scheduled to appear in Bridgewater Provincial Court on August 3, 2022.
The investigation is continuing and investigators believe that there may be more victims. If you are a victim or you have any information related to these incidents, please contact the Bridgewater Police Service General Investigation Section at 902-543-2464.
Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or use the P3 Tips App.
Bridgewater Police Service understands that these types of offences can have a devastating and life-long impact on victims, and can cause intense feelings of stress, shame, and fear. There is no "time limit" on these types of offences and even if a significant number of years have passed, Bridgewater Police Service investigators will seek justice for any victims who come forward. We are here to help, and we encourage any victims connected to this file or otherwise to report the incident to police.
PROS # 2022199342
Contact: Deputy Chief Danny MacPhee
