A security officer hired by the federal government to conduct quarantine checks has been charged with sexual assault.
According to Halton Regional Police, a 27 year-old security officer attempted to exhort cash from a woman during a quarantine compliance check in Oakville, Ont. before sexually assaulting her.
“Police investigation revealed that on February 18, 2021, the accused attended a residence in Oakville to conduct a quarantine compliance check,” the statement reads.
“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.”
According to police, the accused is employed with a private security firm the Public Health Agency of Canada hired to contact and track individuals who are quarantining. Police want to remind the public that contracted quarantine officers are not members of law enforcement and cannot issue tickets or make arrests.
“On February 23, 2021, HRPS officers with the Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit located and arrested 27 year-old Hemant (full name) of Hamilton. Police will not be disclosing the name of the security company that employs Hemant, but can confirm that he has been suspended.”
The accused is set to appear in court on March 23 in Milton, Ont.
In January, Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam announced that “security contractors” were being hired to ensure compliance with quarantine rules in 35 Canadian cities.
A sexual assault case also occurred in Montreal this week. A man has been charged with sexual assault after an incident at a Montreal COVID-19 quarantine hotel.
According to CTV News, the man is alleged to have entered a woman’s room, refused to leave, partially undressed and touched the woman against her will. He left when she threatened to scream.
Robert Shakory faces one count of sexual assault, one count of breaking and entering and one count of criminal harassment. He is set to appear in court on May 3.
The Public Health Agency of Canada said it’s very concerned by the allegation and is working with the hotel and law enforcement.
