Mounties confirmed Saturday a body has been found in the Sooke Potholes area – the same place a man accused of sexually assaulting young boys went missing earlier this week.
But Sooke RCMP couldn’t confirm whether the body was Robert Deryk’s, nicknamed “Bonsai Bob” for his extensive collection of trees.
The body was reportedly found in a shed near Deryk’s home by two men, who were not part of search crews looking for the 74-year-old.
Deryk was to enter his plea Thursday for charges of sexual assault against two boys aged 12 and 13, but never showed up in court, spurring a massive manhunt.
Searchers have been combing the area near the Sooke Potholes, a canyon-like section of river about 40 kilometres west of Victoria, looking for any sign of Deryk.
He was reported missing at around 9 a.m. Monday.
The charges relate to incidents that happened in September 2012 at the Potholes.
RCMP said they will issue an update on the finding later today.
