Image: Modfos / Dreamstime / The Pacific Institution is co-located on the Federal Reserve land housing the Matsqui Complex.

By Alyssa Conti

INMATE DEATH

Inmate convicted of sexual interference dies in Abbotsford prison

Mar 22, 2025 | 1:01 PM

ABBOTSFORD — An 85-year-old inmate who was serving a two-year sentence has died in an Abbotsford prison last week.

According to Correctional Service Canada (CSC), Garcia Ribeiro Dias had been serving a sentence at Pacific Institution since March 11, 2024.

While the CSC typically won’t divulge deceased inmates’ crimes, court documents show that Dias was found guilty of one count of sexual interference against an eight-year-old girl. He was 78 at the time of the offence– which occurred on “a number of occasions” over a three-week period.

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The judge cited his position of trust as a family friend and grandfather figure, the frequency and degree of interference, and his age gap with the victim as key aggravating factors.

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These factors have been mitigated by details like his “advanced age and health challenges,” significant community involvement, and a clean criminal record. More notably, his lack of remorse.

“Mr. Dias does not appear to accept the gravity of his actions,” said Justice Heather MacNaughton in the decision.

In a recorded conversation, he acknowledged that his actions were wrong but claimed that the child was only put up to reporting abuse as her guardian owed him money.

The decision added, “He can also be heard to say that he touched [her] because he thought she liked it and it gave her pleasure. He does not acknowledge the profound breach of trust involved in his actions.”

The lack of remorse was also evident in the recorded conversation when he had never apologized or called the victim by her name.

“He referred only to her as “the girl,” suggesting that he depersonalized his conduct.”

He died in custody of apparent natural causes on March 15, 2025.

“As in all cases involving the death of an inmate, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) will review the circumstances,” said the Corrections agency in a release.

His next of kin have been notified, and CSC policy requires that the police and the coroner also be notified.