The YMCA says they remain strongly committed to the safety and well-being of the children in their care, and have comprehensive policies and practices that are always a top priority.

They issued a statement after a former employee, Benjamin Faulkner, was recently convicted of sexually assaulting a child in the U.S.

He and another man also ran one of the dark web’s largest child exploitation sites.

The YMCA says they were shocked and disturbed to hear of the charges and cooperated fully with police.

Faulkner’s employment with the Y ended in 2014.

 

Here is the full statement from the YMCA:

After first being contacted by a detective from the Toronto Police Service in 2016, we learned of the investigation and subsequent arrest and conviction of Benjamin Faulkner in relation to illegal acts he had committed while living in the USA. He was a former employee whose job with the YMCA of North Bay ended in 2014. We were shocked and disturbed to hear of the charges and cooperated fully with the police investigation.

Our hearts go out to all of the children and families who were affected by these horrendous crimes.

As an organization we remain strongly committed to the safety and well-being of the children in our care, and have comprehensive policies and practices that are always a top priority.

Sylvie Montpellier
Interim CEO
YMCA of Northeastern Ontario

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(With files from the Richmond Times-Dispatch and the Miami Herald)