Dartmouth man charged in historic sexual assault investigation

Members of the Sexual Assault Investigative Team of the Integrated Criminal Investigative Division have charged a man in relation to historic sexual assaults that occurred over six-year period in Dartmouth.

In August of 2018 police received a report in relation to incidents of sexual assault that had occurred between 1986 and 1992. The suspect and victim, who was a youth at the time, were known to each other.

Investigators arrested 50-year-old Donald Duane Bartlett at an address in Dartmouth yesterday without incident. He is scheduled to appear in Dartmouth Provincial Court today to face 12 counts of sexual assault and 12 counts of sexual interference.

Sexual assault investigations are complex. As part of our victim-centered, trauma-informed approach to sexualized violence, we work closely with victims to ensure they’re willing to proceed with a police investigation, which includes giving a statement about the incident. Police must also ensure the victim’s privacy is upheld and well-being is fully considered.

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Source : Media Release