On September 23, 2021, at approximately 11:45 am, Little Grand Rapids RCMP received a report of inappropriate text messages being exchanged between a 16-year-old female and a 65-year-old male. An investigation was launched.
Officers with the Little Grand Rapids RCMP Detachment as well as the RCMP Internet Child Exploitation Unit and Major Crime Services determined that the male involved was Raymond Keeper, Chief of Little Grand Rapids First Nation. Further investigation led officers to charge Keeper with multiple offences:
- Luring a person under 18
- Sexual Assault x 2
- Sexual Assault with Weapon
Being a person in a position of authority, touch for a sexual purpose - Careless Storage of a Restricted Weapon
- Possess Restricted Weapon without a License
- Possess Weapon Obtained by Commission of Offence
Keeper was arrested in Little Grand Rapids First Nation on October 21, 2021, and has been released pending a court appearance on November 21, 2021.
RCMP believe there may be more victims. If you are a survivor or have information on this investigation, please call Little Grand Rapids RCMP at 204-397-2249.
Klinic Community Health is also able to receive third party reports from survivors of sexual assault 16 years and older anywhere in Manitoba. Third party reporting is a process where a survivor is able to pass on information about the sexual assault they experienced to the police without having to speak directly to the police or make a formal report. In this process, the survivor completes a form with the support of a Sexual Assault Crisis Program worker, and this information is sent to police without the survivor's identifying information.
For more information on third party reporting please contact Kllinic's 24/7 Sexual Assault Crisis Line at 204-786-8631 or toll free at 1-888-292-7565.