Manitoba RCMP: Ex-priest accused of sexually abusing young girl in 1970s

Manitoba RCMP have arrested an 81-year-old retired priest from Regina in connection with a historic sexual assault of a young girl in the 1970s.

In March 2022, the RCMP reported that a woman in her 60s had come forward alleging that she had been sexually abused by a priest for two years while attending St. Elijah Romanian Orthodox Church in Lennard, Man., in the early 1970s. The RCMP said the woman was between 11 and 12 years old at the time.

Corporal Brett Church of the Russell RCMP said that after receiving the initial report, police began speaking to witnesses.

“We also had to go through the church and get some historical employment data and things like that. So it took about two years to get to where we are now,” he said.

The RCMP has issued an arrest warrant for 81-year-old Constantin Turcoane on charges of rape and sexual intercourse under the age of 14 – charges that date back to the 1970s Criminal Code.

Police said Turcoane, who lives in Regina, turned himself in to Russell RCMP and was released with a court date of Aug. 28.

Church said Turcoane’s placement in Lennard, Man., was short-lived. There were also allegations of sexual abuse against the priest at the time.

“As far as I know, there were complaints about it at the time and he was transferred to Regina,” he said, adding that he is not aware of any other allegations of sexual abuse against the priest.

However, the RCMP suspects there are more victims.

“It’s tricky because it’s been 50 years. Some of the witnesses may be deceased. Some of the witnesses may be deceased at this point. All of that comes into play,” said Church, who asked anyone with information about the investigation to call the RCMP.

Church indicated that he has been in contact with the woman who filed the complaint and that this process has been difficult for her.

“There are a lot of emotions and memories, so we try to offer as much support as possible.”

According to the Orthodox Church in America, of which Turcoane was a clergyman, the priest has since retired.

Turcoane’s name and contact information were removed from the church’s online clergy directory Thursday morning after news of his arrest broke.

CTV News Winnipeg has reached out to the Orthodox Church in America for comment.

– With files from Danton Unger of CTV