RUSSELL, Man. — Russell RCMP have arrested an ex-priest in connection to a historical sexual assault.
On June 13, Mounties apprehended 81-year-old Constantin Turcoane of Regina for crimes dating back to the early 1970s when he served as a priest in Lennard, Man.
In March 2022, a woman in her 60s reported being sexually assaulted multiple times by the priest at St. Elijah Romanian Orthodox Church when she was 11 to 12 years old.
The investigation included testimonies from multiple individuals, detailed searches of historic church records and close co-operation with church organizations, police say.
A warrant for Turcoane was issued, and he turned himself in, facing charges of rape and sexual intercourse with a minor under 14.
He was subsequently released with a court date pending.
Police believe there could be more survivors and urge them to contact Russell RCMP at 204-773-2675.
