NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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Investigators with the York Regional Police Special Victims Unit – Sexual Assault Section, have laid sexual assault charges against a 33-year-old man in an ongoing investigation in the City of Markham.
The investigation began on Friday, Nov. 1, 2019, when a female youth victim came forward to report ongoing incidents of sexual assault and harassment. The victim advised that since June 2019, she had been followed by a man on numerous occasions in her neighbourhood. On Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019, the suspect [allegedly] sexually assaulted the victim.
Investigators were able to identify the suspect and on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, he was placed under arrest at his residence which is located in the area of Clark Avenue and Dudley Avenue.
An image of the accused is being released to ensure that there are no additional victims or witnesses. Anyone with information in relation to the accused is asked to come forward to police.
Charged:
• Igor Nzokirishaka, 33, City of Markham
Charges:
• Sexual assault x3
• Sexual interference x3
• Criminal harassment
• Breach of probation
• Disobey court order
The accused has been held in custody and will be appearing before the Ontario Court of Justice in Newmarket on Nov. 5, 2019, for a bail hearing.
A sexual assault includes any non-consensual contact of a sexual nature. York Regional Police encourages victims to report incidents of sexual assault, including historical offences. There is no statute of limitations for sexual offences and offenders can be prosecuted well after the date of the offence. York Regional Police understands that while sexual assaults often cause long-lasting trauma, survivors may have difficulty speaking about incidents with friends, family members, or police officers. We work to bring sexual assault cases to a resolution by conducting professional and thorough investigations, while also providing assistance and the resources necessary to support victims during this period of recovery. If you are the survivor of sexual assault, you can report the incident online if:
• You are not in immediate danger
• The person who assaulted you is not present
• There is no evidence present that may be collected by police (blood, semen, saliva, etc.). Evidence can be collected for up to 12 days after the sexual assault has occurred
• You have access to a private email address, to which the suspect does not
If someone is not ready to report, however is seeking support, please contact York Region Victim Services victimservices-york.org or the Women’s Support Network womenssupportnetwork.ca. Additional resources and information can also be found on our website.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Sexual Assault Section at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7071, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-tips, or leave an anonymous tip online.
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