Former band director at Truro school charged with historical sex offences

A former band director at a Truro high school faces historical charges of sexually abusing a young person.

An RCMP news release Thursday said Colchester Mounties were notified Aug. 17 about sexual assaults that allegedly occurred in Valley, near Truro, between 2005 and 2007.

RCMP opened an investigation and were able to identify the alleged victim, a female.

The woman came forward and on Aug. 25 provided details about being sexually assaulted by a former band director while she was a student at Cobequid Educational Centre.

RCMP officers arrested Lorna Elaine Letcher, 65, of Valley later that day and charged her with three counts of sexual assault and three counts of sexual exploitation.

Letcher was released on conditions, including not to have contact with anyone under the age of 18, and is scheduled to appear in Truro provincial court Oct. 25.

The release said RCMP are aware Letcher has volunteered at Redcliff Middle School in Valley and has also given music lessons at her home.

“Investigators believe there may be additional survivors and (are) reaching out to offer support and encourage anyone who may be a survivor to come forward by contacting your local police or RCMP detachment,” the release said.

“Police want survivors to know that they can contact them and discuss an incident before making a decision to further participate in the investigation and court process.”

Colchester RCMP can be contacted at 902-893-6820.