Abuse

sparks police
to issue alert

Major Bob Beck was the Commanding Officer of the cadet unit at the time Mr. Gandotra, the Sponsoring
Committee Chairperson of the Air Cadet Squadron was accused. "The process has to be followed, but we're in
total support of Ashok," Beck said. "We support him as much as we possibly can."

CHRIS DOUCETTE, SUN MEDIA

FIRST POSTED: SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2009 03:48 AM EDT |
UPDATED: SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2009 03:49 AM EDT
A middle-aged man who volunteers with the air cadets in Mississauga
faces numerous charges in the alleged molestation of a 15-year-old boy.
And Peel police say they fear other youngsters may have been victimized.
"He's actually the chairman of the sponsoring committee, so he did have
some interaction with the kids," Const. Wayne Patterson said yesterday of
the accused man's volunteer position with 845 Avro Arrow Squadron.
"That's the basis for us putting this (information) out," he added.
Police began investigating the Mississauga man after a teenage boy
complained about an incident that allegedly occurred Aug. 10.
The boy says he was at the man's home and the accused invited him into
the bathroom and sexually assaulted him, police said. Patterson said the
accused and the victim knew each other, but he wouldn't elaborate for fear
of identifying the teen.
Patterson was unable to say whether the victim is a cadet. Nor could he
say how much interaction the accused man had with cadets in his volunteer
position.
"But when you're around kids, there's always an opportunity," Patterson
said.
"It's no different than coaching or mentoring, where an adult is in a position
of authority over kids."
Ashok Gandotra, 54, was arrested Wednesday and charged with sexual
assault, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching and sexual
exploitation.
He's to face the charges in a Brampton court Sept. 28.
Air cadets is open to boys and girls aged 12-18.

Maj. Bob Beck, commanding officer of 845 Squadron, said he doesn't

believe any of the youngsters under his watch are in any jeopardy.
He said that as chairman of the sponsoring committee, Gandotra is
responsible for the squadron's finances and has little contact with the
cadets.
"The process has to be followed, but we're in total support of Ashok," Beck
said. "We support him as much as we possibly can."
Police ask anyone with information to call them at 905-453-2121, ext. 3460,
or Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
"Investigators feel there is a likelihood there may be other victims,"
Patterson said.
"We're hoping, if there are, that they will be encouraged to come forward
knowing that someone else has done so."
CHRIS.DOUCETTE@SUNMEDIA.CA