WARNING: This article contains graphic material and may refer to those who have experienced or know someone who has been sexually assaulted.
An Ontario boys’ camp and its longtime director have been sued by a former camp student and former staff member who allege they were both sexually abused by camp director Kilku on separate occasions over a decade ago.
Two lawsuits filed in the Supreme Court of Ontario in Bracebridge, Ontario on July 27 accuse 61-year-old David Latimer of grooming, manipulating and sexually harassing an underage student traveler in the early 1990s and a young adult employee in the 2000s. .
Both lawsuits allege that Latimer manipulated the plaintiffs into thinking they were romantically involved with him before or after he allegedly assaulted them.
Latimer denied the allegations in a statement sent to CBC Toronto by his attorney. None of the allegations were tested in court. No protection claims have yet been filed.
The lawsuits, first reported by the Toronto Star, seek damages of at least $5.5 million from Latimer and Kilkoo Camp, who are accused of failing to defend the two plaintiffs.
Kilkoo Camp, located about 180 km northeast of Toronto on the shores of Lake Gull near Minden, Ontario, primarily operates a private summer camp for boys aged 8 to 16. It also offers outdoor education programs for state and high school students. during a year.
Latimer served as camp director from 1985, according to his website, until he recently resigned in response to lawsuits.
Scott Hutchison, Latimer’s attorney, provided CBC Toronto with a statement on behalf of his client.
“Allegations that I harmed anyone associated with the camp or elsewhere are simply not true. I would never harm any young person,” Latimer said in a statement.
Latimer said in a statement that he “decided to walk away” from Kilcoo until the lawsuit was resolved.
Hutchison added that Latimer denies any wrongdoing and will defend the allegations in court.
In an emailed statement, Kilkoo Camp acknowledged that it was served with two lawsuits, but said that “although the lawsuit mentions the camp, these disturbing allegations only concern the actions of the former director.”
Kilkoo Camp said it changed management “immediately” upon learning of the potential claims and that Latimer is no longer affiliated with the organization.
“We will cooperate with any investigation. The safety of our campers and staff is always our top priority,” the camp said.
1st plaintiff alleges assault in garage
Both plaintiffs petitioned the court to ban the publication of their names. Their lawyer, Jillian Khnativ, declined to comment.
The first lawsuit, filed by a 39-year-old Toronto resident identified only as J. Doe #1, alleges that they attended a week-long outdoor education program at Camp Kilkoo two consecutive years from 1990 to 1993.
During this time, Latimer “formed a close relationship with them,” giving them special attention, giving them a special nickname and buying them gifts, the lawsuit alleges.
“Latimer’s attention made J. Doe #1 feel special and appreciated, and they began to view Latimer as someone they could trust and rely on,” the lawsuit says.
Near the end of the first ride, according to the lawsuit, Latimer drove the No. 1 J. Doe on a golf cart through the campground to a nearby lake house and directed them to the garage.
“While in the garage, Latimer raped J. Doe #1. Latimer pinned J. Doe #1 against the wall, pinning him with his body. Latimer kissed J. Doe #1 on the lips and neck and ran his hands over their bodies. , both on top and under the shirt and trousers. Jay Doe #1 felt Latimer’s genitals on his body. JDow #1 couldn’t move or leave. The attack lasted approximately 5 minutes,” the statement of claim says.
According to the statement, after the attack, Latimer “manipulated” J. Doe #1 into believing they were romantically involved.
The statement said the sexual activities were not consensual and accused Latimer of abusing his position of trust and authority.
The second plaintiff alleges a “series” of attacks
The second lawsuit was filed by a 33-year-old woman from Stuffville, Ontario, who first attended Camp Kilkoo for an outdoor education program along with her elementary school sometime between 2001-2003, when she was 12 to 14 years old.
During this visit, Latimer allegedly gave her an affectionate nickname and told her that she was special.
According to the lawsuit, when she returned to the camp as a 19-year-old staff member in 2009, Latimer allegedly attacked her by putting his hands on her hips and pressing his body against her.
“At the time, Latimer was about 40 years old, and J. Doe was about 19 years old,” the statement of claim says.
“Following this, Latimer committed egregious behavior towards J. Doe #2, during which she was subjected to a series of sexual assaults under the guise of a spiritual and romantic relationship. Attacks took place at various locations both on and off the Kilkoo camp site, including but not limited to Latimer’s cabin, home and car, J. Doe’s Hut No. 2, and Latimer’s office at Greenwood College School.”
The lawsuit alleges that J. Doe #2, who worked at the camp every year until she was 23, was subjected to sexual phone calls and text messages, pornographic videos, her body being fondled and Latimer masturbating in front of her.
Consent must be active and permanent; submission does not equal consent.— J. Doe Statement of Claim No. 2
It also claims that Latimer has made sexually inappropriate comments about her body, saying her lips are “perfect for blowjobs” and often calling her “the hottest camp girl of all time”.
Latimer allegedly used gifts, including concert tickets, weekend trips, massages and lingerie, to “reward” JD No. 2 for fulfilling his sexual demands and keeping the violence a secret, the lawsuit says.
“J. Doe #2 did not consent to any of Latimer’s sexual harassment, which was a gross violation of his power, trust and authority,” the lawsuit says.
“Consent must be active and permanent; Submission does not imply consent.
Both lawsuits allege that this year Latimer resigned as director of community life at Greenwood College School, a private middle and high school in Toronto, “after rumors that he had trespassed with underage students.”
Latimer’s statement did not specifically address this claim.
“We are deeply concerned about the allegations in the lawsuit involving former Greenwood employee David Latimer and Kilku Camp,” Greenwood deputy head Heather Thomas said in an emailed statement.
“We communicate directly with our school community and will continue to keep parents, students, staff and alumni informed. As this matter is pending before the courts, we will not provide further public comment.”
The camp appoints a new director
In a statement, Kilcoo Camp said it had appointed Aldrin Primailone as camp director. The statement said that Primailon held a leadership position in the camp for many years.
“Mr Primailon will be supported by the rest of the Kilkoo Camp team as they strive to care for campers and provide a safe, supportive and enriching summer,” the statement said.
“The accusations are not related to the current activities of the summer camp. As a result, the camp is currently operating at full capacity and our focus is on campers.”
A spokesman for the Ontario Provincial Police declined to comment on Wednesday whether the force had received any reports containing these allegations.
“I can tell you that we take these types of investigations very seriously and OPP remains committed to providing a full and thorough review of all information that may be reported,” Erin Cranton wrote in an email.
Support is available to anyone who has been sexually abused. You can access crisis lines and local support services through this Government of Canada website or Canada End Violence Association Database. Call 911 if you are in imminent danger or fear for your safety or the safety of others.