An aquatics supervisor at the Orillia Recreation Centre is facing a slew of child luring and other child-related sexual offences.
Last week, the Orillia OPP "received information regarding a historical sexual assault and child luring incident" that occurred in 2021, the OPP said in a media release.
Police were advised that the accused, who was an aquatics supervisor at the West Street facility at the time of the alleged incident, was offering alcohol to a youth in exchange for explicit images.
Earlier today, the Orillia OPP, with the assistance of the child sexual exploitation unit, executed a search warrant at an Orillia residence.
As a result of this investigation, Manuel Marroquinn-Ramirez, 43, of Orillia, has been charged with:
- Luring a person under 18 years of age by means of telecommunication — three counts;
- Communicate with anyone for the purpose of obtaining sexual services;
- Sexual exploitation;
- Sexual assault;
- Possession of child pornography;
- Selling or distributing to an individual under 19 years of age;
- Knowingly supplying liquor to person under 19 years
The accused is being held in custody, pending a bail hearing.
Orillia OPP Const. Shelby Russell was asked for more clarity about where the incidents occurred, but could not provide a lot of details.
"The offences were spread out over a period of time and locations, not necessarily occurring at the Orillia (Recreation Centre)," she said.
It's also unknown, at this time, if there may be more victims.
"There is a thought there could be other victims, but at this point in the investigation, it is unknown," Russell told OrilliaMatters.
According to the OPP media release, Marroquinn-Ramirez was an aquatics supervisor "until September 2024."
Melissa Gowanlock, the city's manager of communications, said the accused is no longer employed by the city.
"We can confirm that the City of Orillia has been made aware of an investigation involving an employee and that this individual is no longer actively employed with the city," said Gowanlock in an emailed statement.
"The health, safety and well-being of our staff and the people we serve are our top priorities and we are cooperating fully with the OPP. As this is an active police matter, the city will not be providing further comment," she said.
Anyone with information about this or a similar incident is urged to call the Orillia OPP at 1-888-310-1122. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477) or online at www.crimestopperssdm.com
There is no statute of limitations on sexual offences and a report can be made to police at any time, regardless of how much time has passed.
If you do not wish to make a report to police or need more time and support to make that decision, there are community partners available to help. Ontario 211 provides information on Ontario's community, social and health related government services. Simply call 2-1-1 or visit www.211ontario.ca for more information.
