Community Alert: Historical Sexual Assault Charges in Annapolis County

The Digby RCMP Detachment has charged a 58-year-old man from Waldeck, Annapolis County, in connection with an ongoing investigation into historical sexual assaults and physical abuse. The investigation began in October 2025 after police received a report involving past offences, and it has since expanded to include multiple victims.

Officers have now identified three victims connected to this case, with incidents reported to have occurred between 1988 and 2002 in both Digby County and Annapolis County. Two of the victims were youth at the time the offences are alleged to have taken place, and all three individuals were known to the accused man. Police believe there may be additional victims who have not yet contacted authorities.

Official RCMP Case Details

On May 13, 2026, officers from the Digby RCMP arrested Aubrey Lawrence Andrews, 58, of Waldeck, Nova Scotia, in relation to this historical abuse investigation. Andrews has been charged with a total of 21 criminal offences arising from incidents reported over a 14-year period.

Key details reported by the RCMP include:

• Timeframe of alleged offences: between 1988 and 2002.
• Locations: within Digby County and Annapolis County, Nova Scotia.
• Victims: three individuals; two were youths at the time of the alleged offences; all were known to the accused.
• Accused: Aubrey Lawrence Andrews, 58, of Waldeck, Annapolis County.

The RCMP reports that Andrews faces the following charges (21 counts in total):

• Assault – 3 counts
• Sexual Assault – 6 counts
• Forcible Confinement – 2 counts
• Additional related charges bringing the total to 21 separate offences in connection with the historical abuse investigation.

Andrews appeared in Digby Provincial Court on May 13, 2026. Following his first appearance, he was released on conditions and is scheduled to return to court on June 30, 2026. The RCMP has emphasized that the investigative file remains active and ongoing.

RCMP Request for Information & How to Report

Investigators believe there may be other individuals who were harmed and have not yet contacted police. Anyone with information related to this case, or who wishes to report similar historical abuse involving the accused, is urged to come forward.

If you have information that could assist the investigation, or if you are a potential victim, please contact:

• Digby RCMP Detachment: 902-245-2579
• Your local police service, if you are outside the immediate area
• To remain anonymous, contact Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
• Submit a secure online tip via Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers web tip form
• Use the P3 Tips mobile application to provide anonymous information

RCMP file number for reference: 2025-1597778.

The RCMP stresses that there is no limitation period for reporting sexual offences in Canada. Individuals can come forward even if the abuse occurred many years ago. Police also note that survivors of sexual violence may experience long-term impacts, including anxiety, shame, or fear, and that dedicated RCMP Victim Services and other community-based supports are available to assist.

CrimeCanada.ca Safety Perspective

From the perspective of CrimeCanada.ca, historical sexual assault cases like this one in Nova Scotia highlight how abuse can remain hidden in families, social circles, and small communities for many years. Whether in rural Annapolis County, Digby County, or other small municipalities across Canada, patterns in our national crime and safety statistics for smaller communities show that sexual violence is often underreported and can take decades to surface.

We encourage residents to take disclosures of abuse seriously, to support survivors seeking help, and to promptly report any concerns about sexual or physical violence to police. If you or someone you know is considering reporting historical abuse, you can contact the RCMP or your local police service for guidance on next steps, and ask about victim services, counselling, and legal information. Keeping open communication with children and youth, learning to recognize grooming behaviours, and maintaining awareness of who has access to vulnerable people in your home and community are crucial steps toward prevention and early reporting.

Official Source & Community Safety

This safety alert is based on an official release from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). CrimeCanada.ca aggregates and analyzes this data to keep the nova-scotia community informed, aware, and safe. We are an independent safety data aggregator and not the original creators of the underlying incident report.

Read the full official release here: RCMP Official Statement.