RCMP release:

Colchester County District RCMP has charged a former band director with sexual offences.

On August 17, 2023, Colchester County District RCMP were notified about historical sexual assaults that occurred in Valley, Nova Scotia, between 2005 and 2007. With this information, Colchester County District RCMP began an investigation and was able to identify a survivor.

The survivor, who was a youth at the time, came forward and, on August 25, provided details about having been sexually assaulted by a former band director while she attended the Cobequid Educational Centre.

On August 25, RCMP officers arrested Lorna Elaine Letcher, age 65, of Valley. Letcher has been charged with Sexual Assault (3 counts) and Sexual Exploitation (3 counts). Letcher was released on conditions, including not to be in contact with anyone under age 18, and will appear in Truro Provincial Court on October 25, 2023, at 9:30 a.m.

Colchester County District RCMP is aware that Letcher volunteers at the Redcliff Middle School and has also provided music lessons from her residence in the past.

Investigators believe there may be additional survivors, and is reaching out to offer support and encourage anyone who may be a survivor to come forward by contacting your local police or RCMP Detachment. Police want survivors to know that they can contact them and discuss an incident before making a decision to further participate in the investigation and court process. The Colchester County District RCMP can be contacted at 902-893-6820.