Ontario Priest Faces Charges in Historical Sexual Assault Case
York Regional Police have formally charged a 47-year-old Coptic Church priest from East Gwillimbury with the historical sexual assault of a minor. The accused, Michelle (also known as Michael) Shafik, was charged on February 26 with sexual assault and sexual interference following an investigation that began in November.
The victim came forward to report that they were allegedly assaulted twice between 1996 and 1999. At the time of the incidents, the victim was under the age of 16, and Shafik was not serving as a priest. Investigators have released a photo of the suspect and believe there may be additional victims. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact police at 1-866-876-5423, extension 7071, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 or through their website.
Firearm Seized in Brampton Traffic Stop
In a separate incident, Peel Regional Police have charged an 18-year-old Brampton man after a traffic stop for careless driving led to the seizure of a loaded, unauthorized firearm. Officers on patrol in the Kennedy-Clarence Roads area observed a vehicle speeding and making unsafe lane changes on Friday.
Upon stopping the vehicle, a search allegedly uncovered a loaded Glock 17 handgun and a magazine containing 17 rounds of ammunition. Malachi King-Favours now faces six firearm-related charges along with a charge of careless driving. Police are asking anyone with information to contact investigators at 905-453-2121, extension 2233, or submit tips anonymously to Peel Crime Stoppers.
Assault Incident in Stoney Creek
Hamilton Police have charged three female youths, aged between 14 and 15, following an alleged assault near a Stoney Creek business last Friday around noon. The victim, a teenage student, was at the establishment during her lunch period when she was approached by several youths and agreed to step outside, where she was physically assaulted by three masked female suspects.
A staff member intervened, causing the suspects to flee. The victim later returned to a nearby secondary school, where staff contacted emergency services. She was transported to a hospital by Hamilton Paramedic Service as a precaution and was reported to be in stable condition. The youths have been charged with assault and disguise with intent to commit an offence.
Stolen Vehicles Recovered at Auto Body Shop
The Peterborough County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police have charged a man after locating stolen vehicles at an auto body shop in Otonabee-South Monaghan Township. On Saturday, officers received information about a possibly stolen vehicle and executed a search warrant at a business on Highway 7 on Sunday.
During the search, they found two vehicles that had been reported stolen from different regions, along with paperwork related to another stolen vehicle and various car parts believed to be from stolen vehicles. Zirak Jaafar, 41, of Otonabee-South Monaghan Township, was charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
Copper Wire Theft in Wellington County
Wellington OPP have charged four people from Guelph after officers discovered a group loading suspicious items into a vehicle. Upon investigation, about $1,200 worth of copper telecommunication wire was recovered, with damage to property and infrastructure estimated to exceed $10,000.
The four individuals were each charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000. Authorities are seeking information from the public regarding this incident.
