Former leader of Victory International Church charged with sexual assault

Hamilton police say they have charged a Smithville man connected to a local church with sexual assault.

In a press release, police said they opened an investigation earlier this month after an individual came forward and reported allegations of sexual assault between 2012 and 2016.

On Feb. 23, police arrested and charged Duane Thorne, 51, of Smithville with sexual assault and sexual interference. He's set to appear in court on March 24.

Police said at the time of the alleged assaults, Thorne was a leader at Victory International Church on Barton Street East. He currently serves as chairman of the board, according to the release. On the church's website, Thorne is listed as an elder.

Police said they believe there may be additional victims.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Const. Shannon McLean at 905-546-4614.

Police encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim of sexual violence to come forward and contact victim services at 905-546-4904.

To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppershamilton.com.

Resources for survivors of sexual violence:

SACHA (Sexual Assault Centre, Hamilton and Area): 24-hour support line 905-525-4162; sacha.ca.

Children's Aid Society - intake line: 905-522-1121.

Catholic Children's Aid Society - intake line: 905-525-2012.

SAVIS (Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services of Halton): 905-875-1555.

Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Care Centre at Hamilton Health Sciences: 905-521-2100 ext. 73557.

Fallon Hewitt is a reporter at The Spectator. fhewitt@thespec.com