Perth Resident Sentenced for Sexual Offense Against Minor

A man from Perth, who previously volunteered with the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) of Ottawa, has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison after admitting to sexual interference involving a minor.

The identities of the victim and his family are kept confidential under a publication ban.

In Ontario Criminal Court in Perth on Tuesday, Andrew Ryerson mostly remained silent as the agreed statement of facts was read aloud.

The court learned that during three months, the former CAS volunteer earned the trust of a young boy’s family. Ryerson appeared to take his big-brother role seriously by giving the boy an expensive gift and covering educational expenses.

However, it was revealed that when they were alone, Ryerson would engage the boy in inappropriate conversations and let him watch pornography.

On one occasion, they watched pornography together at Ryerson’s home – which escalated to sexual activity until the boy requested it to stop.

‘I wholeheartedly take responsibility’

While addressing the court, Ryerson did not downplay his actions. He admitted he groomed, manipulated, and exploited a vulnerable 10-year-old.

“I wholeheartedly take responsibility for sexually abusing him,” Ryerson said, holding back tears. “And for violating the trust that was placed in me by his family and the Ottawa Children’s Aid Society.”

“What may have looked to him as choices he was making was, in fact, me manipulating a vulnerable child for my own sexual gratification,” Ryerson added later on.

Ryerson had a shaved head during Tuesday’s court appearance and wore jeans along with a black-and-red checkered long-sleeve shirt and dark vest.

He was arrested in September and initially faced several charges. On Tuesday, he pleaded guilty to one count of sexual interference while other charges were dropped.

He informed the court that he plans to continue therapy both during and after serving his sentence.

Assistant Crown Attorney Jessica Carvell leaving the courthouse in Perth, Ont., on April 22, 2025. (Joseph Tunney/CBC)

The Crown also read aloud a victim impact statement from the young boy via CCTV from another room in the courthouse.

In his statement, he mentioned that Ryerson told him not to disclose anything and just “trust him.”

The boy expressed feelings of emotional and physical pain. He stated that thinking about someone who should have cared for him makes him feel like harming himself or others.

He noted that he can’t sleep in his room anymore because he’s scared Ryerson might come back for him.

“I want to feel safe again and go back to my life before,” said part of his statement.

His mother also provided a statement where she mentioned that what happened amounted to “a lifelong sentence” for her son.

“You have shaken our family’s safety and security,” she said directly addressing Ryerson.

Alongside his 30-month jail term – which came based on recommendations from both Crown and defense – Justice Janet Robb laid out additional conditions.

Ryerson is barred from contacting the boy or his immediate family members; must provide a DNA sample; plus is subject to restrictions regarding firearms.

He will be added to the sex offender registry and prohibited from entering certain areas frequented by individuals under 16 years old-this includes being within two kilometers of where the victim resides.

Ryerson will also be prevented from seeking jobs or volunteering positions involving trust over children.



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