York Regional Police's Cold Case Unit has charged an Innisfil man with sexual assault dating back to 2008 in Georgina.
The investigation relates to a case from Oct. 24, 2008. Police said a female victim was walking in the area of Cronsberry Road and Highway 48, when an unknown male grabbed her and sexually assaulted her. The suspect fled the scene and the victim reported it to police.
The matter was a cold case for years.
But this week, "through the tireless efforts of investigators," a 54-year-old Innisfil man was charged, police said.
There is no statute of limitations for sexual offenses and offenders can be prosecuted well after the date of the offence, police said.
"York Regional Police would like to encourage anyone who feels they may have been a victim of a sexual assault to come forward and report the incident to police," the police department said.
Police are releasing photos of the suspect and what he may have looked like back in 2008.
Investigators believe there may be more victims and encourage them to come forward.
Shannon William Eric Secord, 54, of Innisfil, has been charged with sexual assault and forcible confinement.
None of the allegations have been tested in court and the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
If someone is not ready to report, but seeking support, they can contact York Region Victim Services victimservices-york.org or the Women’s Support Network womenssupportnetwork.ca. Additional resources and information can be found on our website.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Cold Case Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6000, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online.
