The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged Maurice Lemieux of Embrun following a historical sexual assault investigation involving two victims.
According to the Russell County OPP, an investigation was launched in September 2025 after allegations surfaced regarding incidents that reportedly occurred between 2005 and 2011 in Embrun and surrounding communities.
As a result, 82-year-old Maurice Lemieux, team president of the Embrun Panthers and owner of the Village Hotel and Restaurant, has been charged under the Criminal Code with three counts of sexual interference, two counts of sexual exploitation, two counts of sexual assault on a person under 16 years of age, and invitation to sexual touching under 16 years of age.
Lemieux was released by a Justice of the Peace following a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in L’Orignal on January 7, 2026.
The OPP is reminding the public that support is available for survivors of sexual violence. Anyone in need of assistance can contact local police or access victim services at svsprescottrussell.ca or by calling 613-632-5282.
Investigators are encouraging anyone with information related to the case to contact the Russell County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), where callers may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
