A Scarborough man has been charged with multiple sex offences in Lanark County, according to local authorities.
The accused, 35-year-old John Smith, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with sexual assault, sexual interference, and invitation to sexual touching. The charges stem from alleged incidents that occurred between 2018 and 2020 in Lanark County.
Smith appeared in court on Wednesday and was remanded into custody. He is scheduled to appear in court again on Friday for a bail hearing.
The Lanark County OPP detachment began investigating Smith after receiving a complaint from a victim in May 2020. The investigation led to the identification of two additional victims.
Police are urging anyone with information about this case or any other potential victims to come forward and contact the Lanark County OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
The OPP is also reminding the public that sexual assault is a serious crime and that victims should not hesitate to report it. They also encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault to seek support from local resources such as the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Ottawa or the Lanark County Interval House.
Smith’s arrest serves as a reminder that sexual offences can occur anywhere and that it is important for communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or concerning behaviour.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the OPP. The accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
