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 44-year-old tattoo artist.
On Feb. 9, 2019, York Regional Police began an investigation after a victim filed an online report that she had been sexually assaulted by a tattoo artist during two tattoo sessions. Investigators learned that the incidents occurred in 2016 when the victim was attending a tattoo shop in Markham in the area of Kennedy Road north of Steeles Avenue. The accused has worked at several different locations throughout the Greater Toronto Area as a tattoo artist.
Investigators believe that there may be additional victims and they are releasing the photograph of the accused. Anyone who has been a victim are asked to come forward. Additionally, anyone who has information that may assist investigators are also being asked to come forward.
Charged is
- Kevin PROULX, 44, City of Toronto - Sexual Assault x2
The accused will be appearing before the Ontario Court of Justice in Newmarket on March 20, 2019.
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 want 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 have access
If someone is not ready to report, however is seeking support, please contact York Region Victim Services online or the Women’s Support Network online here. 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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