A quarantine screening officer working in Halton has been charged with sexual assault and extortion.
The accused is reportedly employed by one of the four private security companies hired and trained by the Public Health Agency of Canada to be designated Screening Officers under the Quarantine Act. Screening Officers visit travellers’ quarantine locations to establish contact, confirm identify and confirm that travellers are at the place of quarantine they identified upon entry into Canada, to ensure that travellers are complying with the mandatory 14-day quarantine requirements.
An investigation found that on Thursday, February 18th, the accused attended an Oakville residence to conduct a quarantine compliance check. According to the Halton Regional Police Service, the accused informed the victim that they were in violation of the quarantine order and demanded that a fine be paid in cash. When the victim declined to pay, she was sexually assaulted by the accused.
On Tuesday, February 23rd, HRPS officers with the Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit located and arrested 27 year-old Hemant (full name) of Hamilton. Police did not and will not be disclosing the name of the security company that employs Hemant. It’s been confirmed that he has been suspended.
Hemant has been charged with the following:
- Sexual Assault
- Extortion
Hemant was released from custody pending a court appearance in Milton on Tuesday, March 23rd.
There may be additional victims, and police would encourage anyone who may have experienced something similar to contact their local police service (where the offence took place).
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
