Barrie man accused of sexual assault, recording girls under 16 in public
Barrie man accused of sexual assault, recording girls under 16

Michael Kameron Baxter, a 42-year-old Barrie, Ont. man, has been charged with 15 offences including sexual assault, touching, and secretly recording girls under the age of 16 in public places. The charges stem from incidents that allegedly occurred between January 2024 and June 2026.

Allegations and Arrest

Barrie police allege that Baxter approached young girls in public areas such as parks, shopping centres, and near schools, where he would engage them in conversation before sexually assaulting them. He is also accused of secretly recording the victims using a hidden camera. Police say the victims were all under 16 years old and were unknown to Baxter.

Baxter was arrested on July 6, 2026, outside the Barrie courthouse after appearing on unrelated charges. He was subsequently charged with 15 counts, including sexual assault, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, and making child pornography. Police believe there may be additional victims and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

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Court Proceedings

Baxter appeared in a Barrie courtroom on July 7, 2026, and was remanded into custody. His next court date is scheduled for July 21, 2026. The investigation is ongoing, and police are working with the Crown Attorney's office to ensure all evidence is thoroughly examined.

“We believe there may be other victims who have not yet come forward,” said Barrie police Const. Peter Leon. “We encourage anyone who may have had contact with this individual or witnessed suspicious behaviour to contact our investigators.”

Public Safety Concerns

The case has raised concerns among parents and community members in Barrie about the safety of children in public spaces. Police have increased patrols in areas where the alleged incidents occurred and are offering safety tips for parents, including talking to children about stranger danger and reporting any suspicious activity immediately.

“This is a disturbing case that highlights the importance of vigilance and community cooperation,” said Leon. “We are committed to ensuring that our public spaces remain safe for everyone, especially our most vulnerable.”

Baxter is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The charges have not been proven in court.

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