Saskatchewan man arrested for child sex crimes, faces 73 charges

Ryan Kiedrowski,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A historic sexual assault case spanning nearly 20 years was the subject of a special news conference at RCMP Headquarters in Regina last week. C/Supt. Ted Munro, Saskatchewan RCMP’s Criminal Operations Officer, explained how investigation into a home-based licensed daycare in Assiniboia resulted in the arrest of Richard John Dyke, 47, late last year..

“Coronach RCMP received a report of a historical sexual assault of a child,” Munro told reporters. “As part of that investigation, officers executed a search warrant at a residence in Assiniboia. Forty-seven year old Richard Dyke was arrested during that execution of that search warrant. He was later charged with multiple sexual-based offences. Richard Dyke had remained in custody since his arrest in November of 2023.”

At that point, Dyke was charged with 13 sexual offences on three boys under 12 years of age through the mid-2010s. During the news conference last Tuesday, RCMP confirmed identifying 29 more victims; youths between the ages of 18 month to 17 years at the time the offences occurred, the majority being male.

“The magnitude of this investigation has proven significant,” Munro said. “Investigators have analyzed over one-and-a-half million pieces of digital evidence. They were obtained from 24 terabytes of seized electronic devices. A team of highly-trained investigators have thoroughly examined all evidence and have taken numerous victim and witness statements to help determine the criminal acts took place.”

“If you were to take that evidence that we located, if you were to print that out, it would equate to a six storey building,” he continued. “So you can imagine the amount of evidence that our investigators had to go through.”

From the continued investigation, Dyke was charged with 14 counts sexual assault; 14 counts sexual interference; nine counts voyeurism; and 23 counts making child pornography. Dyke is scheduled to appear in Moose Jaw Provincial Court on June 4 on these new charges.

“Crimes of this nature have a profound impact on victims, their families, and the communities in which they occur,” remarked Munro. “They also weigh heavily on investigators who work tirelessly to bring justice for the victims of crime. The Saskatchewan RCMP remain committed to complete a thorough investigation and follow up on every tip that we receive.”

Munro confirmed there are currently 32 victims in total from the communities of Tisdale, Estevan, Assiniboia, Gravelbourg and Swift Current. Sharing Dyke’s photo during the news conference is an effort to hopefully prompt other victims to come forward to the RCMP.

“Some of the victims came into contact with Richard Dyke while he attended the home-based daycares,” Munro said, noting those daycare operated in Assiniboia, Coronach, and Swift Current. Dyke was also an instructor with the Royal Canadian Air Cadets in seven communities throughout southern Saskatchewan, but investigators have not yet identified any victims in relation to his role with the Air Cadet program.

“We acknowledge this is a sensitive investigation,” Munro said. “Victim Services have and will continue to be providing victims and their families support. We are unable to provide additional details at this time to protect the integrity the ongoing investigation, the court process and to be respected for the privacy of the victims.”

A publication ban remains in place on the identity of the victims for their protection. Munro also declined answering if any of the victims were related to Dyke in order to protect the overall investigation.

“At this time, there’s no evidence to suggest that this spouse was aware of what was taking place,” Munro replied when asked about their possible involvement. “And that spouse is totally cooperating with our investigation.”

While Dyke waits for his Moose Jaw court date, the investigation continues; utilizing resources from the Saskatchewan RCMP Regina General Investigation Section, the Saskatchewan Internet Child Exploitation Unity, the Saskatchewan Digital Forensic Services, members of the Assiniboia and Coronach RCMP detachments, plus other detachments across the country.

“This is one of the reasons we’re here today to find out if there’s any further victims,” Munro remarked. “Obviously, when you look at it from 2005 to 2023, and the amount of evidence that we received through our investigation, the main purpose of this today is to get out that message and to see if there’s any other victims out there for them to come forward.”

Anyone with additional information that could assist police in this investigation is urged to contact their local RCMP detachment or phone 310-RCMP (7267). Information can also be shared with Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Ryan Kiedrowski,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The World-Spectator