Retired Toronto priest facing sexual assault charges

Peel Regional Police have charged a retired Toronto priest for sexually assaulting a minor in the early 1980s. 

The Archdiocese of Toronto learned of the charges on Dec. 16 when police announced that Fr. Joseph Wasik, 84, was charged with gross indecency and indecent assault on a male minor. The charges stem from Wasik’s time at St. Martin of Tours Parish in Mississauga, Ont. He has been retired since 2013.

Police believe there may be more victims and are encouraging anyone with information to contact the Special Victims Unit. The archdiocese said the retired priest also served at a number of Toronto parishes from 1974 to 2013.

“We pray for all those who are affected by this painful situation,” the archdiocese said in a statement.