Former swim instructor charged with sex assault, exploitation at youth facility

CITYnews halifax / By The Canadian Press

Following a four-year investigation into allegations of dozens of sexual assaults at a provincial youth correctional facility, the RCMP laid charges against a Dartmouth man.

Donald Douglas Williams, 75, is facing 66 offences following the investigation of sexual assault at Nova Scotia Youth Centre in Waterville, N.S., about 100 kilometres northwest of Halifax. The press release notes that Williams worked at the facility as the swim instructor between 1988 and 2017.

The accused is facing charges including:

• Sexual assault causing bodily harm – three counts
• Sexual assault – 28 counts
• Sexual exploitation – 32 counts
• Sexual interference
• Invitation to sexual touching
• Assault

“We believe there are more survivors and people in the community who know about the abuse that occurred at the youth centre,” Sgt. Rob McCamon, officer in charge (acting), major crime and behavioural sciences, said.

In July 2023, the Mounties confirmed they were investigating at least 70 cases of alleged sexual assault. At the time, RCMP Sgt. Brian Fitzpatrick said the investigation — known as Operation Headwind — started in early 2019.

Related:

• N.S. RCMP investigating 70 alleged sex assaults at youth jail, more cases likely

All 70 cases involved males, he said, adding that investigators were dispatched across Canada to interview witnesses.

Up to 200 people were expected to offer statements to police after the RCMP established a confidential hotline for victims or those who had information about alleged sex crimes at the centre.

Investigators have yet to confirm the identity of the alleged perpetrator or whether more than one person was involved.

The centre opened in 1988.

It houses male and female young people serving open or secure custody sentences, as well as young people awaiting a court appearance.

The centre includes five cottages, each of which has two, 12-bed units. Each unit has a kitchen, laundry area, common area and 12 individual bedrooms. The buildings are interconnected to form a circle around a large recreation area.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 17, 2025.