A 64-year-old Kitchener man is facing charges in connection with sexual assault allegations dating back to the 1960s and 70s and he appeared in a Stratford court on Tuesday.
Perth County OPP say Richard Kunder was arrested on Friday and has been charged with five counts of indecent assault and one count of buggery.
The incidents allegedly took place in Listowel, and involve young males from Stratford and Listowel, police say. At the time, Kunder was a Perth County resident working as a police officer.
OPP say the three adult male victims only came forward in the last few months, and officers are expecting a long, difficult and emotional investigation.
Perth County OPP Const. Kees Wijnands says “Time sometimes heals wounds, and if wounds have to be reopened, it’s very difficult.”
A publication ban prevents the release of information regarding the identity of the alleged victims.
However, investigators say Kunder befriended them over 40 years ago, when he was an officer with the Listowel Police Service.
They allegedly spent time together at his home and on camping trips, and Kunder is accused of fondling the victims’ genitals and sometimes performing sex acts.
Wijnands says it’s possible more victims may still come forward, “We’re not saying that’s the case here but if there are any others, they can come and see us.”
Anyone who may have had contact with Kunder is asked to contact police at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Kunder was arrested at a Kitchener barbershop where he worked. After his court appearance on Tuesday he was released on $2,000 bail, but is expected back in court in Stratford on Sept. 17.
Since the alleged incidents happened in Listowel though, the trial will eventually move to a court there.
