York Regional Police have charged a 64-year-old Girl Guide of Canada leader from the Town of Georgina in connection with a historical sexual assault dating back to 1998.
An investigation began in March 2025, when the victim came forward to report details of sexual abuse by their Pathfinder Leader between January 1998 and September 2002, when the victim was under 16-years-old. At the time the offences began, the youth leader was 38-years-old.
On Monday, April 21, 2025, Karen SPENCE, 64, of Town of Georgina,was charged.
SPENCE worked as a Girl Guide leader in the Georgina area from 1995 and 2001, where she held roles as a Sparks Leader and a Pathfinders Leader. In addition to her work with the Girl Guides, SPENCE also served as a youth hockey coach and referee. Investigators believe there may be additional victims and are releasing SPENCE’s photo in the hopes that others who may have been affected come forward.
Charged:
- Karen SPENCE, 64, of Georgina
Charges:
- Sexual Assault x3
- Sexual Exploitation of a Young Person x3
A sexual assault includes any non-consensual contact of a sexual nature. York Regional Police encourages victims to report incidents of sexual assault, including historical offences. There is no statute of limitations for sexual offences and offenders can be prosecuted well after the date of the offence.
If someone is not ready to report, however is seeking support, please contact York Region Victim Services victimservices-york.org, the Cedar Centre http://www.cedarcentre.ca/ or the Women’s Support Network womenssupportnetwork.ca. Additional resources and information can also be found on our website http://www.yrp.ca/en/services/resources/sexualassaultsurvivorsguide.pdf
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Special Victims Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7075, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or online at www.1800222tips.com.
Visit our Community Safety Data Portal for complete stats and crime data within York Region. Crime prevention is our shared responsibility. Learn more about Operation Streetview.
Prepared by: Constable Lisa Moskaluk
02-215247
April 29, 2025
