The sexual assault case against a former Elora Road Christian School principal is finished, with one charge stayed and another withdrawn.
In January 2017 Arend “John” Dekorte was charged with two counts of sexual assault on a child under the age of 16. He was a teacher at the time of the alleged offences.
“All of the allegations made against me, which led to my being charged … are completely false,” Dekorte said in a statement to the Advertiser on March 13. “I am innocent of any wrongdoing in relation to the two women who complained to the police.”
In November, the Crown attorney stayed one of the charges and on March 1 the second charge was withdrawn.
“The Crown advised the court that there was ‘no reasonable prospect of a conviction,’” Dekorte said.
“The whole case is now effectively finished.”
Former Elora Road Christian Fellowship and School pastor Henry (Henk) Katerberg was also charged in January 2017.
The men were charged in connection with alleged sexual assaults between 1981 and 1986 at the church and school, located on the same property on Wellington Road 7 north of Guelph.
Katerberg’s case was stayed in October.
“Although these past 15 months have been long and expensive, it has been manageable because of the unwavering support of my family and friends and the Lord,” Dekorte said. “I am deeply grateful for them, and I sincerely thank them.
“I look forward to having my life return to normal.”
