Severn Township man is accused of sexually abusing minors

Police have charged a Severn Township man with sexual offenses against minors, and officials believe there could be more victims.

On September 30, police received information about a historical incident of sexual assault and sexual harassment. They were told that in June the defendant told a group of female juveniles he was 17, provided alcohol and had sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl, Orillia OPP said in a news release.

Since the investigation began, additional victims have come forward and police believe there may be more.

Ty Arends, 21, was charged with assault (choking, suffocation or choking) and three counts of sexual battery and sexual assault of a person under 16 years of age. He was remanded in custody pending a bail hearing.

Anyone with information about this or similar incidents is asked to call OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestopperssdm.com.

Police point out that there is no statute of limitations for sexual crimes. A report can be made at any time, regardless of how much time has passed.