The Winnipeg Police Service has made an arrest in connection to a historical abuse case involving children and young adults. 

In June 2022, the Winnipeg Police Service's (WPS) Child Abuse Unit received a report about historical sexual abuse involving multiple youths spanning two decades, beginning in the late 1990s.

Following the report, the WPS Child Abuse Unit initiated an investigation that involved several survivors who reported similar accounts of sexual abuse and exploitation by an adult male that was known to them. 

All of the survivors were between 4-20 years old when they were taken advantage of. Police say they attended the accused's residence both for child-minding and as visitors when they got older. 

While at the house, the accused would ask survivors to touch his body, sleep unclothed beside him and touch them in an unwanted sexual manner. 

As the survivors grew into adolescents, they were also provided drugs and alcohol at his residence.

Following a lengthy investigation, Winnipeg Police arrested 58-year-old Leslie Edward Semchyshyn of Winnipeg. 

He is facing a long list of charges including, Sexual Assault x 7, Sexual Interference x 5, Sexual Exploitation, Invitation to Sexual Touching x 2, Administer Noxious Thing with Intent to Endanger Life or Cause Bodily Harm, and LCA Supply liquor / controlled beverage to a person under 18 years.

He was released on an Undertaking as mandated by the Criminal Code.

For those looking for help, support resources include WPS Victim Services at 204-986-6350 and the Klinic Sexual Assault Crisis Line at 204-786-8631. Investigator in the Sex Crimes Unit can be reached at 204-986-6245.