Historical sexual assaults on children happened between 1992 to 1995 in Ontario
Published March 29, 2024 at 11:13 am
A man has been arrested and charged with a series of historical sexual assaults on children dating as far back as 30 years.
The multijurisdictional task force involving Peel, Halton, and Waterloo Regional Police has made progress in ‘Project Woodland’, an investigation into child sexual assaults from 1992 to 1995.
The victims were an 8-year-old, a 10-year-old and a 15-year-old, with the attacks happening in Kitchener, Brampton and Oakville, according to reports.
A composite sketch of the suspect was released following the assaults but no charges were laid. Police reopened the cold case in 2009.
On Sunday (March 3) 2024, investigators say they arrested and charged 64-year-old Richard Neil, from British Columbia, with 20 criminal charges.
Peel Regional Police say Neil, has been charged with kidnapping, uttering death threats, sexual assault, sexual assault with a weapon, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, administering noxious thing with intent, and forcible confinement, among others.
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Authorities believe there may be more victims.
Additionally, a publication ban protects the victims’ identities, and no additional information is being released at this time.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Peel Regional Police Special Victims Unit at 905-453-2121, extension 3460.
Anonymous information may also be submitted by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
Two photographs of Richard Neil, previously and currently, have been released by Peel Regional Police. Neil is accused of being the ‘Woodland Rapist,’ facing allegations of kidnapping and various criminal offences.
With files from Ryan Rumbolt.
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