Catholic priest in Oakville, Canada, charged with sexual assault

Halton Regional Police Service began an investigation in early February after an allegation involving a woman who was volunteering at a church in Oakville. Reports differ on how the case was described at the outset. One report said the allegation concerned a Catholic priest employed at an Oakville church, and another said it involved an incident at a local church. None of the reports identifies the church where the alleged incident occurred.

Police later charged Reverend Ranjan D’Sa, 53, of Oakville, with one count of sexual assault. Police announced the charge on a Tuesday, according to one report. Reports describe D’Sa as arrested, as charged following the investigation, and as accused of the offence. Under Canadian law, a charge is an allegation that has not been proven in court, and D’Sa has not been tried or convicted of the offence.

Reports also differ on D’Sa’s ministry history. Several state that he has been a member of the clergy since 2010. Two reports say he has served at St. Dominic’s Roman Catholic Church since 2016, and one describes his employment at an Oakville church without naming it. The reports do not describe any other charges, prior proceedings, or institutional response.

The case concerns a woman who was volunteering at a church, and the allegation is that she was sexually assaulted. Protecting people who serve in church settings from harm is a matter of care for the vulnerable (Psalm 82:3).

D’Sa was released on an undertaking, a written promise to appear in court, according to the reports. His next court appearance is scheduled for a later date at the courthouse in Milton, Ontario.