Retired teacher charged in ‘historic’ sexual assault investigation involving children

York Regional Police charged a former teacher, 73-year-old Lawrence Fritz, with multiple counts of sexual assault.

By Lucas Casaletto

Posted February 1, 2022 12:50 pm.

Last Updated February 1, 2022 1:15 pm.

A former public school teacher is facing multiple sexual assault charges in connection with several offences dating back to 1977.

York Regional Police commenced an investigation in June 2021 following allegations of sexual assault against a former teacher.

Investigator spoke to four victims who claimed they were assaulted in Grade 4 from 1977 to 1980 while attending a public school in Nobleton, Ont.

Three female victims claimed they were sexually assaulted and one male victim reported a physical assault.

On January 27, 2022, police arrested now 73-year-old Lawrence Fritz of Toronto who taught with the York Regional District School Board for many years and had been teaching as a substitute since 2020.

Fritz faces several charges including three counts of gross indecency and three counts of indecent assault.

Investigators believe there could be additional victims and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

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