Sooke RCMP are searching for a 74-year-old man who was charged last week with two counts of sexually assaulting young boys.

Robert Deryk, known as Bonsai Bob, was expected to appear in court this morning. He was reported missing Tuesday at 9 a.m.

In a statement posted on the RCMP website Wednesday, police said they are concerned about Deryk’s safety and are conducting a co-ordinated search for him.

Deryk is six-foot-one and about 150 pounds. He has a grey beard and was last seen wearing a bright orange coat and green canvas pants.

He faces charges for incidents that allegedly occurred last September involving victims who were 12 and 13 years old at the time.

When the charges were announced, the RCMP said they believed there could be more victims.

Deryk was released on his own recognizance with conditions that include no contact with the alleged victims and not being in the presence of anyone appearing to be 16 years old or younger.

His nickname comes from his extensive collection of bonsai trees. — Times Colonist

© Copyright 2013