A Barrie man faces a long list of charges in connection to child-related sex offences following an investigation by Orillia OPP.
Shortly after 8 a.m. on Oct. 23, 2024, police say they received information regarding an alleged historical sexual offence on a minor. Orillia OPP began an investigation into the accusations.
The following day, officers obtained judicial authorization to search for evidence, police say. Orillia OPP, with help from the digital forensics unit, says officers seized property that allegedly contained child pornography.
Around 8 a.m. on Oct. 30, 2024, OPP officers, with the assistance of the Orillia detachment's major crime unit and the OPP's child sexual exploitation unit, arrested the male suspect at a Barrie address.
Gary Hendricks, 62, of Barrie, has been charged with the following offences:
- Invitation to sexual touching
- Sexual interference
- Making, printing, publishing or possessing for the purpose of publication any child pornography (2 counts)
- Possession of child pornography
- Making sexually explicit material available to a person under 18 years of age (2 counts)
- Sexual assault on a person under 16 years of age (2 counts)
- Invitation to sexual touching under 16 years of age
- Sexual Interference.
The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
None of the allegations have been tested in court.
Police say investigators are concerned that there could be other victims.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Orillia OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Information can also be provided anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477) or online at crimestopperssdm.com.
"There is no statute of limitations on sexual offences and a report can be made to police at any time, regardless of how much time has passed," police stated in a news release.
"If you do not wish to make a report to police or need more time and support to make that decision, there are community partners available to help," the release stated. "Ontario 211 provides information on Ontario's community, social and health related government services. Simply call 2-1-1 or visit www.211ontario.ca for more information."
