Former Truro school band director arraigned on historical sex charges
A former band director at a Truro high school has elected to be tried in Nova Scotia Supreme Court on historical charges of sexually abusing a girl.
Lawyer Matt Kennedy appeared in Truro provincial court by phone last week on behalf of Lorna Elaine Letcher, 65, who was not present for her arraignment on three counts each of sexual assault and sexual exploitation.
Kennedy told the court his client was electing to have her case heard by a Supreme Court judge alone.
Judge Brian Williston scheduled Letcher’s next appearance for Nov. 21 in Supreme Court in Truro. She will be expected to enter pleas that day and possibly set trial dates.
RCMP announced the charges against Letcher on Aug. 31, saying they had been notified Aug. 17 about sexual assaults that allegedly occurred in Valley, near Truro, between 2005 and 2007.
Police opened an investigation and were able to identify the alleged victim. The woman provided details Aug. 25 about being sexually assaulted by a former band director while she was a student at Cobequid Educational Centre.
Letcher was arrested later that day, charged and released on an undertaking to have no contact with and stay away from the complainant. She also cannot attend parks, playgrounds, daycares, schools and any other places where children under the age of 18 are likely to be present.
When RCMP issued the news release about Letcher’s charges, they said she was from Valley, but court records indicate she is now living in Truro.
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.
