Dozens of additional charges were laid today against one of two men accused of sexual violence against numerous youth in the metro area.
Tony Humby, 64, was already facing 33 counts, including sexual assault, sexual interference and sexual exploitation, dating back decades.
The 39 new charges include nine counts each of “a householder permitting illegal sexual activity and unlawfully obtaining sexual services” and:
- eight counts of luring a child using a computer or device;
- five counts of making arrangements to commit a sexual offence;
- five counts of unlawfully making sexually explicit material available to a child;
- sexual exploitation;
- making child pornography;
- possession of child pornography;
Humby, whose trial is set for five weeks in March of next year, made a brief court appearance from HMP today to have the new charges formally read to him.
Meanwhile, the other man charged in the case, 81-year-old Bruce Escott, has chosen not to fight the allegations against him and is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 22
In laying the new charges against Humby today, RNC Const. James Cadigan noted people continue to come forward with additional information and allegations.
“We have received information connected to this case as recently as this week,” says Cadigan, noting confidential contact can be made through a dedicated email set up for the case: reach@rnc.gov.nl.ca.
Cadigan says the RNC has taken a “trauma-informed approach” with the investigation.
“When somebody comes forward, it may not be the beginning of a criminal investigation. It may be about education and awareness and understanding of the process. And that’s the important part to understand,” he says.
“Our focus is not just on laying criminal charges, it’s about focusing on the safety and well-being of a survivor who comes to us looking for support, or looking to file a complaint and have the matter investigated.”