Gatineau special needs bus contractor faces sex assault charges

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A 48-year-old man who operated a Gatineau bus service for special needs passengers has been arrested and charged with sexual touching of one of his passengers.

Gatineau police said they suspect other victims were involved.

Police said they received a complaint in recent weeks that a person with “diminished intellectual abilities” had been the victim of sexual assault.

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After an investigation, police arrested Abderrahim Khoumita, 48, on Tuesday.

He appeared in court and was charged with several sexual assault accusations. He was released on condition he not communicate or be near the victim, and that he not accept any job that would involve contact with “vulnerable people.”

Police said Khoumita was a driver for Autobus Citadelle and was a subcontractor for the Société de transport de l’Outaouais for special needs transportation.

Gatineau police noted in a release that both the STO and Autobus Citadelle collaborated with investigators in the case.

Police also noted that there could be victims who would not be described as special needs.

They also said that certain victims may be hesitant to complain or might have difficulty expressing themselves due to their conditions.

Police asked any witnesses to contact the SPVG INFO line at 819- 243-4636, option 5.

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