Investigation expands as more complainants come forward
St. Thomas police have laid 11 additional charges against local chiropractor Steven Perry, 57, as part of an ongoing sexual assault investigation that now involves 10 complainants. The latest development follows a June 23 announcement that Perry had been charged with three counts of sexual assault and one count of forcible confinement after multiple patients reported concerns.
Police said on Tuesday that since the initial announcement, eight more complainants have contacted investigators. The new counts include nine further allegations of sexual assault and two counts of sexual exploitation. In total, Perry is now facing 15 charges, including 12 for sexual assault. None of the allegations have been proven in court.
Arrest, release conditions and court timeline
According to police, Perry was arrested on Monday morning and later released on an undertaking with conditions. He is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 4 in relation to the first four charges announced last month. Police did not disclose whether any of the new complainants were patients.
Regulatory history noted
Public records show Perry was disciplined in 2006 by the College of Chiropractors of Ontario after complaints from two St. Thomas patients. That regulatory action, now nearly two decades old, resurfaced publicly as police outlined the latest step in their investigation.
Police message to the community
St. Thomas police say the investigation remains active and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Police spokesperson Samantha Wakefield said investigators want to hear from people who believe they may have relevant information.
“Investigators continue to seek information regarding any unreported matters that may pertain to this case,”
Wakefield said, noting that additional information can assist detectives as they review timelines and allegations.
What police have confirmed so far
- Total complainants: 10
- New charges: 9 counts of sexual assault, 2 counts of sexual exploitation
- Overall charges to date: 15 (including 12 sexual assault counts)
- Status: Arrested and released on conditions; next court date Aug. 4
Charges at a glance
| Charge | Count | When Announced |
|---|---|---|
| Sexual assault | 3 | June 23 |
| Forcible confinement | 1 | June 23 |
| Sexual assault (additional) | 9 | July update |
| Sexual exploitation | 2 | July update |
| Total | 15 | — |
Local context and public interest
The case has drawn significant attention in St. Thomas and across Elgin County due to the number of complainants and Perry’s role as a regulated health professional. Police initially noted that the first set of complainants were his patients. While investigators did not clarify whether the latest complainants were also patients, the nature of the charges has prompted renewed discussion locally about reporting pathways and oversight in clinical settings.
As the investigation continues, police are encouraging anyone with information related to the case to contact the St. Thomas Police Service. Officials emphasized that the legal process is ongoing and that the accused is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
