A former Boys and Girls Club of Saint John employee will stand trial next year on charges of sexual assault and touching a minor for a sexual purpose.
Scott Dunphy appeared in Saint John provincial on Tuesday and elected trial in provincial court.
He was released on conditions and his trial will take place from March 7-8, 2019.
The Boys and Girls Club announced in March that allegations of “improper conduct” had been made against one of its employees.
The worker was suspended when the allegations first came forward, but was then fired “in light of new information” received by the club.
Alleged incidents did not happen on club property
Executive director Amy Shanks confirms to our newsroom that Dunphy used to be a program coordinator at the club and no longer works there.
“When we became aware of the allegations, we immediately contacted the police and Child Protective Services and suspended the individual in question,” Shanks says in a statement. “The alleged incident did not occur on or near the Boys and Girls Club property, and we are not aware of any other incidents inside or outside the Club.”
Police have also said there’s no indication any of the alleged incidents happened on club property.
Shanks says all of their employees face a comprehensive background check, adding they go beyond a criminal record search to undertake a social development check, and they consistently check references.
“We are deeply saddened by what this child is alleged to have experienced,” she says, “and we’ve offered the family counselling and support.”