London police have charged a 69-year-old London man with offences related to alleged incidents from 1977 to 1983.
David Norton is facing three counts of indecent assault on a male and one count of sexual assault.
At the time of the alleged incidents, Norton was a priest at St. Andrew's Anglican Church on the Chippewa of the Thames First Nation reserve near London.
Police say an investigation has found allegations of sexual abuse involving three First Nation boys, starting in 1977 when the boys were seven years old, and ending in 1983 when they were 12.
It is also alleged that the offences occurred at Norton’s home in the City of London.
Jane Antoniak is a spokesperson for King's University College, an affiliate of Western University, where Norton is a history professor.
She said in a statement, “We have been made aware of this situation and the fact that an investigation is being conducted which is in no way related to King’s University College. Given the investigation, David Norton will be on a leave of absence, with pay, pending the outcome, as per our protocol.”
The Diocese of Huron also immediately removed Norton's permit to act as an Anglican priest until the conclusion of the trial and said they were sadded to hear about the charges.
Norton was released from custody Friday pending a court appearance on Jan. 7, 2016.
The investigation continues, and anyone with information on these or similar incidents is asked to call the London Police Service at 519-661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
