Hamilton pediatric surgeon charged with sexual offences not involving patient
A Hamilton surgeon, who specializes in treating pediatric orthopedic problems, has been charged with historic sexual offences involving a young person who was not a patient.
Dr. Paul Missiuna faces charges of sexual assault, sexual interference with a person under 16, invitation to sexual touching involving a young person under 16 and sexual exploitation of a person under 16. The offences are alleged to have taken place between April 1994 and December 2005.
Missiuna's lawyer said the doctor is aware of who the complainant is, but they have not yet been provided with specific allegations.
We can share that, unequivocally and with great conviction, Dr. Missiuna will be defending his absolute innocence, and very much looks forward to this matter being thoroughly dealt with in its proper place, the courthouse," Dean Collett said in a statement.
Until that time, we ask that members of the public understand that Dr. Missiuna has devoted the last 42 years of his life, through dedication and hard work, to helping people.
His reputation in our community until today has been exemplary. A reputation that is now being called into question based on as of yet unknown allegations, which we are certain are simply without a shred of merit."
Hamilton police confirmed Missiuna was arrested and charged after an investigation by the Hamilton Police Service.
The offence was not in the execution of his duties as a physician," police said in a statement.
The charges involve one alleged victim. Police said no further information would be released as the case is before the courts.
Police typically issue press releases in sex assault cases where there is concern there may be more victims, but that did not happen in this case. Police said the investigation does not meet the threshold of compelling public interest."
Missiuna's charges were made public on social media after a community member noticed the charges and bail conditions listed on his College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) profile.
Missiuna was charged Aug. 31 and released on an undertaking. The conditions of his release include not being alone with a person under 16, and not engaging in any volunteer or work activities that involve being in a position of trust with someone under 16, unless accompanied by an adult.
Missiuna is an orthopedic surgeon with privileges at McMaster Children's Hospital and St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton. According to online profiles, he specializes in pediatric orthopedics, with a special interest in the spine, hip dysplasia and limb deformities.
A spokesperson for Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) said the hospital network is aware of the charges.
Pending a review of the matter, Dr. Missiuna is not attending work at HHS," Wendy Stewart said in an emailed statement.
For privacy reasons, we cannot comment further on the allegations other than to say that these charges are unrelated to his work at Hamilton Health Sciences."
Missiuna hasn't worked at St. Joe's for a number of years since pediatric orthopedics moved entirely to HHS.
A standard publication ban prohibits identifying victims of sexual crimes. The case remains before the courts.
Nicole O'Reilly is a crime and justice reporter at The Spectator. noreilly@thespec.com