CONTENT WARNING: Please be aware the following includes information regarding serious offences of a sexual nature against children.
In November 2023, Richard Dyke, who is now 47 years old, was arrested in Assiniboia and charged with offences of a sexual nature against three male youths under the age of 12.
Since the initial arrest, the Saskatchewan RCMP’s General Investigation Section (GIS) and the Saskatchewan Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit continued to investigate. They have analyzed more than 1.5 million pieces of digital evidence that were obtained from electronic devices seized in November 2023 as a result of the investigation. The evidence gathered is considered child sexual abuse material and it is believed the images were taken from 2005 to November 2023.
Since the initial investigation began in November 2023, investigators have identified 29 additional victims – and all were youth between 18 months to 17 years old at the time of the offences. The majority of the victims are male.
The families and victims have been notified and victim services have been made available to them.
As a result of the continued investigation, Richard Dyke of Assiniboia, Saskatchewan is charged with:
- 14 counts, sexual assault, Section 271, Criminal Code;
- 14 counts, sexual interference, Section 151, Criminal Code;
- 9 counts, voyeurism, Section 162(1)(a), Criminal Code; and
- 23 counts, making child pornography, Section 163.1(1), Criminal Code.
These charges are in addition to those laid in November 2023.
Investigators determined that a licenced home-based daycare was operating within Richard Dyke’s residence in Assiniboia. It has been confirmed that some of the victims came in contact with Richard Dyke through various relationships, including childcare provided within his residence. The communities where the offences occurred between 2005 and 2023 include Tisdale, Estevan, Assiniboia, Coronach, Gravelbourg and Swift Current.
Richard Dyke was also an instructor with the Royal Canadian Air Cadets in several communities in Southern Saskatchewan, and he primarily interacted with youth. To date, investigators have not identified any victims in relation to his role with the Air Cadets program.
Both the Ministry of Education with the Government of Saskatchewan and Department of National Defence with the Government of Canada have been notified of the investigation.
“Our investigators are continuing their work, following up thoroughly on every tip and investigational lead that comes in,” says C/Supt. Ted Munro, Saskatchewan RCMP’s Criminal Operations Officer. “The nature of these types of crimes is devastating for both the victims and their families. We will meticulously investigate these crimes and use a victim-led approach, as these young victims navigate this extremely difficult situation. Our ultimate goal is to bring justice for these children, their families, and communities affected by this.”
As part of this investigation – and any other investigation into reports of sexual offences against children or other vulnerable populations – GIS and ICE continue to work to determine if there are additional victims.
The Saskatchewan RCMP encourages those that have additional information or evidence about this investigation to contact their local RCMP detachment by dialling 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
