For the second time in two months a former employee of Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens has been arrested for sex crimes against little boys.
Gordon Stuckless, 64, faces 15 new charges relating to alleged sexual assaults during the 1960s and 1970s in various Toronto locations, including Maple Leaf Gardens.
A former usher at the Gardens, Stuckless was convicted in 1997 for sexually abusing 24 boys between 1969 and 1988. He served four years and was paroled in 2001.
Stuckless victim (one of 24 from ’97 conviction): “Every one of us has known there’s going to be more, there’s going to be more.”
— Tamara Cherry (@tamaracherry) March 22, 2013
In February of this year, Stuckless was rearrested after two men came forward with allegations that he molested them in the late 1970s.
The new charges laid on Friday relate to five additional victims who have since come forward.
Gordon Stuckless has been charged with nine counts of indecent assault male, five counts of gross indecency and buggery, police say.
— CP24 (@CP24) March 22, 2013
According to police, Stuckless – originally from Newfoundland – committed the crimes while he was working as a teacher’s assistant and volunteering at a community centre and sports clubs. He is also said to have abused boys while working at Maple Leaf Gardens.
Police said of the new charges:
I’d like to reiterate that there’s no template, or perfect time frame for someone to come forward. With the passage of time, [the alleged victims] have grown, and are at a different stage in their lives and have come forward, and feel more comfortable. They want to see justice. I feel that they are seeking a sense of closure going forward.
Stuckless now faces additional charges of indecently assaulting a male, assault and buggery. He is due in court on May 3.
0322 13:10 Man Re-arr. For Historical Sxl Asslt, Gordon Stuckless, 64, Fc 15 New Chgs InHistorical Sxl Asslt Invst is.gd/pCojC9
— Toronto Police(@TorontoPolice) March 22, 2013
Lots of media on hand for Gordon Stuckless’ latest round of charges..@torontopoliceupdate @ 1. twitter.com/tamaracherry/s…
— Tamara Cherry (@tamaracherry) March 22, 2013