Ottawa police have charged a 62-year-old man following an investigation into sexual assaults that occurred at a synagogue and that involved a female under 14 years old.
Aklilu Afowerk was charged with sexual assault, sexual interference and breach order from a sexual offence conviction, police said in a press release issued Feb. 26. Police report he was a volunteer at a synagogue and had previously worked as a property manger, where he was charged with sexual assault against another person under 18.
Afowerk was listed as a member of the board of directors and head of the House Committee at Congregation Beit Tikvah of Ottawa, a modern Orthodox synagogue in the city’s west end.
His name has since been removed from the synagogue’s website.
In an email to The CJN, synagogue president Clemy Srour wrote that “Yesterday’s news was obviously a shock for our community. We are taking guidance from the Ottawa Police Service and other authorities.”
Because the issue is now before the courts, the synagogue declined further comment.
Ottawa Police have released Afowerk’s photo as investigators believe there could be more victims. Anyone with information is asked to call the Ottawa Police Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5944. Tips can also be sent to [email protected].
