In a disturbing development, a Catholic priest in Oakville and a man from Orangeville have been charged in separate sexual assault investigations, prompting calls for public assistance from law enforcement agencies.
Oakville Priest Charged After Investigation
Reverend Ranjan D'Sa, aged 53 and residing in Oakville, has been formally charged with one count of sexual assault following an investigation initiated by the Halton Regional Police in early February 2026. The allegations stem from an incident involving an adult female volunteer at a local Catholic church in Oakville, where D'Sa has been employed since 2016.
Authorities have revealed that D'Sa has been a member of the clergy since 2010, serving at St. Dominic's Roman Catholic Church. In response to the charges, investigators have expressed concerns that there may be additional victims and are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.
To facilitate this, police have provided contact details: individuals can reach out to the Halton Regional Police at 905-825-4777 extension 8970 or utilize Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 or through haltoncrimestoppers.ca. A photograph of the accused has been released to the public as part of the investigation.
D'Sa was released on an undertaking and is scheduled for a future court appearance in Milton, as the legal proceedings unfold.
Separate Case in Toronto Involving Orangeville Man
In a unrelated but similarly serious matter, Toronto Police have charged Antonio Neves, a 34-year-old man from Orangeville, with three counts of sexual assault. The charges relate to incidents alleged to have occurred in the area of University Avenue and Queen Street West between December 10, 2025, and March 15, 2026.
According to police reports, officers responded to a call regarding a sexual assault on Friday, leading to Neves' arrest on Monday. It is alleged that the accused sexually assaulted the victim on multiple occasions during the specified timeframe.
Authorities have released a photo of Neves and are seeking information from the public. Anyone with knowledge about this case is encouraged to contact Toronto Police at 416-808-5200 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or via 222tips.com.
Community Impact and Police Appeals
These cases highlight ongoing efforts by police to address sexual assault allegations in the region. Both investigations underscore the importance of community vigilance and cooperation in ensuring justice and safety.
As the legal processes advance, authorities continue to emphasize the need for potential victims or witnesses to step forward, reinforcing that such information can be crucial in resolving these serious offenses.
