An Edmonton man who operated a north-end dayhome is accused of alleged sexual assaults involving young girls that spanned over a decade.
Walter Edmund Nash, 60, and his wife had operated a Montrose-area daycare, but the license was revoked back in 2002. Yet police say the couple continued to operate an unlicensed day home until late 2010. The name of the dayhome Nash and his wife operated is not known. There is another daycare in the Montrose area, but it is no way connected to this dayhome.
"There is a number of children that were being cared for in this dayhome and the possibility certainly exists that other offences occurred," said Det. Rob Paton with the Edmonton Police Service.
The 60-year-old is charged with four counts of sexual assault, four counts of sexual interference, and two counts of invitation to sexual touching.
The charges come from four victims, all of which were girls ranging in age from three to seven-years-old. The first allegation was brought forward in 2002, and police say the most recent allegation was brought to their attention in December of 2010.
Zebra Child Protection Section investigators believe there is the possibility that there are other victims.
"There's certainly the possibility of other victims. And we just don't know at this point. There's certainly the potential," said Paton.
Nash's wife has not been charged in connection with the case.
The man's neighbours are in disbelief after learning of the charges.
"He's just a super, helpful, nice guy…kind of like a Santa Claus figure," said Tait Lawton who lives next to Nash.
Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact the Zebra Child Protection Centre at 780-421-3485.
Nash's first court appearance was scheduled for Tuesday morning. He is expected to return to court on Friday.
With files from Dez Melenka
