York Regional Police's Cold Case Unit has charged a 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 man from the Town of Innisfil, was charged," police said.
There is no statute of limitations for sexual offences 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, a 54-year-old from Innisfil, faces charges of sexual assault and forcible confinement.
If someone is not ready to report, but seeking support, they can contact Victim Services of York Region or the Women’s Support Network. Additional resources and information can be found on the York police website.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the cold case unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6000, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online.
