Sexual assault charges laid against dayhome operator

An Edmonton man is facing charges after alleged sexual assaults against children going back over a decade.

Walter Edmund Nash, 60, has been charged with four counts of sexual assault, four counts of sexual interference, and two counts of invitation to sexual touching.

According to police, there have been four victims over the past 10 years.

At the time the alleged assaults occured, one victim was six-years-old, one victim was seven-years-old, and two of the victims were three-years-old.

Police say all of the victims are girls.

The first victim came forward in 2002. An investigation was launched at that time.

“We felt we didn’t have sufficient grounds to lay charges,” said Det. Rob Paton of the Edmonton Police Service. “Since then, we’ve had other victims come forward and provide information.”

The most recent victim came forward in December of 2010.

Nash and his wife operated a Montrose area dayhome. Their license was revoked in 2002, but they continued to operate as an unlicensed facility.

Children at the north Edmonton facility ranged in age from babies to preteens.

His wife has not been charged in connection with the case.

The couple closed the dayhome shortly after the last victim came forward in 2010.

According to police, there is very little investigators can do until enough evidence has been gathered to lay charges.

“There’s really no control on who can operate for want of a better term, a babysitting service,” said Paton. “Children’s Services was involved with revoking their license in 2002. That’s really the best they can do.”

Zebra Child Protection Section investigators believe there could be other victims in this case.

Anyone who believes they may be a victim in this is asked to call the Zebra Child Protection Centre Intake line and leave a message for Constable Jeff Steil at 780-421-3485.

Nash is set to appear in court on June 21, 2011.

With files from Postmedia News.