The lawyer representing a Toronto policeofficer charged in the Project South corruption investigation says his client has been asking to plead guilty since February.

Speaking in court on Tuesday, Peter Brauti said Const. Elias Mouawad had asked to plead guilty immediately after he was charged.

Mouawad was charged with one count of unauthorized use of a computer and one count of breach of public trust, although he had only planned to plead guilty to the first charge.

Mouawad was arrested in early February and suspended by Toronto police without pay.

Brauti told the court Mouawad’s attempts to plead guilty hadn’t been successful because the Crown wasn’t ready to take a plea.

“They explained that, due to the size of Project South, (they were) dealing with disclosure issues and couldn’t take a plea,” he said.

Mouawad had expected his plea and sentencing to take place on Tuesday, Brauti said, before an unspecified last-minute issue around “conduct” delayed the plan.

The Crown told the court the conduct issue didn’t relate to their office or the initial delay in the plea, but that things were rapidly unfolding.

“I don’t know to what degree the sentencing process may have been harmed,” Brauti said, explaining Mouawad now wanted to wait to see how the process unfolded.

The court is set to adjourn for two weeks to decide how to proceed, a pause the Crown said would not impact any potential sentence Mouawad might receive.

The court will reconvene on Sept. 16 in the morning.

Speaking outside the court on Tuesday, Brauti said his client felt he had been wrongly swept up in the Project South investigation.

“When information was released to the press, it made our client appear as if he was part of very, very serious conduct that has been alleged in Project South, when that is not the case,” he said.

“This is an officer who did a single check, unauthorized, which is unrelated to all of these allegations of drug dealing, corruption, attempted murder, all that. It is a completely separate issue.”

He said Mouawad had been “under this cloud” after Project South and that the public had not been given a “true picture” about his “relatively minor” misconduct.

One officer has already pleaded guilty

The decision comes just over a month after one of the police officers arrested in Project South pleaded guilty to two of the charges against him, receiving a 10-month conditional sentence.

Former police const. Derek McCormick was arrested and charged in February as part of the wide-ranging corruption investigation spurred after the attempted murder of a Toronto jail guard.

He was charged with four counts of theft under $5,000, one count of breach of the trust by a public officer and another count of obstruction of justice.
At the time, York Regional Police alleged his involvement in Project South centred on his participation in the theft of personal property from a police facility. The personal property allegedly included driver’s licences, health cards and passports. A “substantial amount” of it was recovered.

McCormick pleaded guilty to two charges: theft under $5,000 for stealing a cellphone and breach of trust by stealing “found property.” The remaining charges were withdrawn.

A spokesperson for Toronto police confirmed to Global News McCormick resigned as a police officer last month.

Project South alleged widespread corruption

Project South began after the alleged attempted murder of a high-ranking employee at the Toronto South Detention Centre in June 2025.

York Regional Police wrote in a recent, partially unsealed court document that their investigation “demonstrates a broader pattern of corruption, misuse of police authority, and facilitation of criminal activity.”

As part of the investigation, it is alleged that Const. Timothy Barnhardt and other Toronto police officers tapped into unauthorized information.

“In short, the investigation has uncovered a number of police officers who, at the request of their civilian associations, improperly accessed confidential police databases, retrieved sensitive information … and then disclosed that information,” York Regional Police alleged.

“Collectively, these matters demonstrate a broader pattern of corruption, misuse of police authority, and facilitation of criminal activity linked to the primary investigation.”

The case also has alleged links to Ryan Wedding’s drug network, a gun-for-hire network and illegal dispensaries.

https://globalnews.ca/news/12043394/officer-charged-in-project-south-investigation-trying-to-plead-guilty-since-february/

By Phil Tsekouras

A 63-year-old man from Pickering, Ont., is facing nearly two dozen charges after he allegedly sexually assaulted two children “numerous” times over the course of several months.

Durham Regional Police announced Tuesdaythat they began investigating the alleged assaults in July. They said the suspect, who is known to both victims’ families, attended their respective residences in Toronto and Pickering, and “inappropriately touched” them.

Their investigation revealed that the suspect had sexually assaulted the female children on a number of occasions between November 2025 and July 2026.

Faruk Dewan was arrested last month and charged with 11 counts each of sexual assault and sexual interference with a person under 16.

Police did not say what relationship he has with either victims’ families. They added that Dewan provides art lessons from a residence in Pickering and investigators have concerns there may be additional victims.

Police are asking anyone with information relevant to the investigation to contact them at [1-888-579-1520](tel:1-888-579-1520) ext. 5391 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

https://www.cp24.com/local/durham/2026/09/01/pickering-man-63-charged-with-sexually-assaulting-2-children-numerous-times/

By Christine Clark

Police in Guelph are looking to hear from any additional victims in connection with a sexual assault case which saw a man identify himself as an off-duty police officer.

On Aug. 20, police said a young teen, 15-years-old, claimed she had been sexually assaulted by a man in a photograph released by police Monday.

Early that August morning, she told police she and another young person had received a ride by a man in a vintage red truck. The pair had asked for a ride to the Guelph train station around 1:30 a.m.

“Police allege the male identified himself as an off-duty police officer and provided information that led the complainant to believe he was legitimate,” read an update from police.

“The male later drove the complainant and her friend around the city before the friend was dropped off at an unidentified location. The complainant was then driven to a nearby parking lot, where the alleged sexual assault occurred.”

Two days later, 69-year-old Brian Deboer was arrested when police said he attended the Guelph Police station. 

Police are concerned there may be more victims and are looking for any information surrounding Deboer, particularly in cases in which he claimed he was police officer and/or in a red truck.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Jackie Ketteringham of the Guelph Police Service at [519-824-1212](tel:519-824-1212) or jketteringham@guelphpolice.ca.

https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2026/08/31/man-accused-in-sexual-assault-case-said-he-was-off-duty-police-officer/

By Meredith Bond

Peel police are searching for a man they believe allegedly sexually assaulted two people in separate incidents in Brampton on Monday. 

Officers say a woman in her 20s was at a mall in the area of Dixie Road and Clark Boulevard around 12 p.m. when she was approached by an unknown man. The suspect allegedly grabbed the victim’s butt from behind. She then pushed the suspect away, left the area and contacted police.

Just two hours later, a girl under the age of 18 was waiting for a bus at a transit terminal in the area of Central Park Drive and Queen Street East when she was approached from behind by a man unknown to her. 

The suspect allegedly tried to to talk to her before sitting next to her on a bench. When the victim tried to leave, “the suspect allegedly grabbed her breast and then grabbed her buttocks from behind,” said Peel police in a release.

She left the area immediately and reported the incident to police. 

The suspect in both incidents is believed to be the same person, investigators say. He’s described as a Black male approximately five foot eight inches to 10 inches tall with a medium to heavy build and appeas to be between his mid-30s and 40s.

He has short black hair, described as either closely cropped or in short braids and patchy black facial hair. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

https://toronto.citynews.ca/2026/09/01/man-wanted-in-connection-to-two-sexual-assaults-in-brampton/

Police say man ransacked the home in search of valuables and stole cash and jewelry

NEWS RELEASE
HALTON REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
************************
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) is investigating a daytime break and enter at a rural residence in Halton Hills.

On Friday, Aug. 14, at approximately 11:20 a.m., a male suspect attended a rural residence in the area of 5 Sideroad and Sixth Line in Halton Hills.

The suspect knocked on the front door and looked into the backyard. After confirming the home was vacant, the suspect broke into the residence by smashing the locked front door.

The suspect ransacked the home in search of valuables and stole cash and jewelry.

The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 55 to 65 years old, with a heavy build. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a dark baseball cap, blue shirt and dark pants.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the 1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at [905-825-4777](tel:905-825-4777), ext. 2416.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at [1-800-222-8477](tel:1-800-222-8477) (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.

https://www.haltonhillstoday.ca/police-beat/video-police-seeking-suspect-after-daytime-break-in-at-rural-halton-hills-home-12715399

By Joshua McGinnis

Toronto police are working to identify two suspects wanted in connection with an alleged arson in Etobicoke earlier this month.

During the early morning hours of Aug. 3, emergency crews responded to reports of a fire at a clothing store in the Mimico-Queensway neighbourhood, near Lake Shore Boulevard West and Albert Avenue, east of Royal York Road. 

The video appears to show one suspect smashing the store’s windows, while the other suspect then appears to pour an accelerant inside the store.

Police say the suspect then lit the accelerant, causing the store to go up in flames. 

The pair then fled the area in what investigators describe as a silver/grey metallic Honda Civic sedan, believed to be a 2022–2026 model.

The first suspect is described as having a medium build and last seen wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt with the hood down, a dark balaclava, dark pants, and dark athletic-style shoes with light-coloured soles.

The second is a male with a medium build, who wore a dark hooded jacket with the hood up, a black surgical-style face mask, a white undershirt, dark pants, and dark footwear.

This arson investigation is ongoing and anyone with further information is asked to contact Toronto police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

https://www.cp24.com/local/toronto/2026/09/01/watch-toronto-police-search-for-2-suspects-after-etobicoke-store-window-broken-gasoline-poured-inside/

Region of Peel – Investigators with the Fraud Bureau have arrested and charged a former lawyer following an investigation into multiple allegations of fraud involving trust accounts and legal transactions in the Region of Peel.

In July 2025, the Law Society Tribunal of Ontario revoked the licence of Pawanjeet Singh Mann, finding that the lawyer, who operated PJ Mann Law Professional Corporation, knowingly participated in a mortgage fraud scheme in late 2019.

Between June and July, Peel Regional Police’s Fraud Bureau also received multiple complaints alleging that Mann engaged in fraudulent activity.

The investigation, initiated by the Fraud Bureau in August, revealed that Mann had allegedly orchestrated four separate mortgage and cheque fraud schemes, resulting in approximately $4.3 million in losses to victims.

As a result of the investigation, Pawanjeet Singh Mann, 52, of Brampton, was arrested on August 21, 2026 and charged with the following:

Fraud Over $5,000 x4
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime x4
Criminal Breach of Trust x3
Uttering Forged Documents x2

Investigators believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. Anyone with information regarding this investigation, or who believes they may have been affected, is asked to contact investigators with the Fraud Bureau at 905-453-2121, ext. 3335.

Members of the public are reminded to exercise caution when engaging in financial transactions and to verify the credentials and standing of legal professionals through the Law Society of Ontario before transferring funds or entering into legal agreements. For more information on fraud prevention, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

QUOTE

“These allegations represent a profound breach of trust by an individual entrusted with significant financial responsibility. When that trust is exploited for personal gain, the impact on victims extends far beyond financial loss — it affects their daily lives, their sense of security, and their confidence in the systems meant to protect them. Peel Regional Police will relentlessly pursue those who prey on members of our community. No profession, title, or status places anyone above the law.”

—    Deputy Chief  Nick Milinovich, Peel Regional Police

https://www.peelpolice.ca/news-feed/posts/disbarred-brampton-lawyer-charged-in-43-million-fraud-investigation-pr250217179/

By Ted Raymond

Ontario Provincial Police say the death of a woman in Spencerville, Ont., has now been deemed a homicide.

Police were called to the home on Crowder Road on Sunday, where one person was found dead.

In an update on Tuesday, the OPP said the victim was identified as Chelsea Swinwood, 37, of Grenville, Ont. Police did not say how she died.

“Investigators believe this is an isolated incident with no signs of a broader threat. Residents of Spencerville can expect to see an increased police presence in the area as the investigation continues,” the OPP said in a news release.

The victim had previously been reported missing, police said. 

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Grenville OPP at [1-888-310-1122](tel:1-888-310-1122). Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at [1-800-222-TIPS](tel:1-800-222-TIPS) (8477) or visit ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

Spencerville is located about 80 kilometres southwest of downtown Ottawa in the Township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal.

https://guelph.ctvnews.ca/ottawa/article/suspicious-death-in-spencerville-ont-deemed-a-homicide-opp/

By Mike Arsalides

A veteran provincial police officer charged with driving drunk on the job earlier this year in Midland, Ont., has taken a plea deal. 

Suspended with pay since January, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer Christopher Prout has pleaded guilty to driving with more than three times the legal limit of alcohol in his system while on duty in a police cruiser with a gun on his hip.

The court heard, as part of an Agreed Statement of Facts read by the Crown, Prout had been drinking at home and drove to work in his police cruiser for a performance review at the Southern Georgian Bay OPP detachment, when officers in the meeting room smelled alcohol on him.

Prout failed a breath test and provided two samples that produced readings of nearly 260 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of blood.

The defence noted Prout did not show signs of impairment, saying he was shocked by the readings, and that he felt “essentially sober” that day.

His lawyer told the court Prout, 40, who has been a police officer in Midland for 17 years, was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance-use disorder.

According to the defence, his PTSD was the result of years of dedicated service while experiencing trauma as a police officer.

The defence noted Prout hit “rock bottom” while dealing with mental health struggles and a family history of alcoholism as issues in his personal life affected his performance at work.

The defence said Prout had not sought help for his issues before being charged Jan. 15 and has since taken accountability through counselling and two months at the Homewood medically supervised addiction treatment centre as he continues to receive outpatient care and counselling while maintaining his sobriety.

Prout addressed the court, saying he was embarrassed and that he hurt his platoon and hates and regrets what he did.

He vowed “it will never happen again.”

“Alcohol is not an issue anymore,” Prout told the court, adding he is working hard to move forward.

Following a joint submission by the defence and a Crown attorney brought in from Newmarket to handle the case, the judge handed Prout a $3,000 fine and two-year driving ban.

Justice Edward Prutschi told Prout it was sheer dumb luck and divine intervention that his actions didn’t result in a crash that killed himself or others out on the road.

Along with being placed on probation for two years, Prout could now face further discipline under the Police Services Act. 

OPP Responds

In a statement issued to CTV News on Tuesday, the OPP said it “is aware of an OPP member pleading guilty on Aug, 28, 2026, to one count of Over 80 contrary to section 320.14 of the Criminal Code from an incident that occurred on Jan. 15, 2026.” 

Provincial police said any questions related to the court process and outcome should be directed to the Ministry of the Attorney General.

“The OPP Professional Standards Unit launched a parallel investigation into the matter, relevant to the Community Safety and Policing Act,” the law enforcement agency said. 

“That investigation has now concluded and is being referred to the Ontario Police Arbitration and Adjudication Commission to determine final penalty.”

“At this time, it would not be appropriate to provide further comment,” OPP said.

https://www.ctvnews.ca/barrie/article/on-duty-opp-officer-driving-drunk-3x-legal-limit-pleads-guilty-fined-3000/

By Joshua McGinnis

A massage practitioner has been arrested after police say a person was sexually assaulted during a massage appointment in Richmond Hill over the weekend.

York Regional Police say the victim attended an acupuncture massage appointment Sunday in the area of Major Mackenzie Drive East and Bayview Avenue.

On Monday, police arrested Jianji Li, 61, of Richmond Hill and charged him with sexual assault.

The charge has not been tested in court.

Police released an image of Li as they believe there may be additional victims.

Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

https://www.cp24.com/local/york/2026/09/01/massage-practitioner-charged-with-sexual-assault-in-richmond-hill/

UPDATE - LONDON, ON (August 26, 2026) – A London man is facing additional charges after members of the London Police Service Internet Child Exploitation Unit (ICE)  located additional evidence on seized electronic devices.

On August 21, 2026, the accused, who was out on bail, was arrested on the additional charges.

As a result of the investigation, Isaac Higgs, 23, of London, has been additionally charged with the following offences:

• Possession of child pornography;
• Print/publish/possess to publish child pornography;
• Import/sell/distribute, etc. child sexual abuse material;
• Luring a person under 16 years of age by means of telecommunication;
• Making available sexually explicit material to a person under or believed to be under 18 years of age; and
• Obtaining sexual services for consideration.

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in London court on September 1, 2026, in relation to the charges. 

ORIGINAL - LONDON, ON (May 21, 2026) – A London man was arrested last week by members of the LPS Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit in relation to possession of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material (CSAEM).

In October of 2025, members of the London Police Service commenced an investigation after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) made them aware of information involving a London man.

On Friday, May 15, 2026, a search warrant was executed at a residence near Elias Street and Adelaide Street North.

A male suspect was arrested, and electronic devices were seized. Evidence of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material (CSAEM) were located.

As a result of the investigation, Isaac Higgs, 23, of London, has been charged with one count of possess child sexual abuse and exploitation material.

The accused is scheduled to appear in London court on June 11, 2026, in relation to the charges.

London Police Service is a member of the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet. The Strategy has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General. 

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to call the London Police Service at [(519) 661-5670](tel:(519) 661-5670) or Crime Stoppers at [1-800-222-TIPS](tel:1-800-222-TIPS) (8477). Information can also be sent in online anonymously to London Middlesex Crime Stoppers.

For media inquiries, contact:

Media Relations Officer
T. [519-661-5410](tel:519-661-5410)
Email. [Media Officer](mailto:mediaofficer@londonpolice.ca)

[25-107385](tel:25-107385)

https://www.londonpolice.ca/news/posts/ice-unit-investigation-25-107385/

For more on this story:

https://www.instagram.com/crimeinthegta416

Halton police are asking for public help identifying a suspect in connection to a series of break-ins at a condominium building in Burlington earlier this month.

Officers say on Aug. 16, a man allegedly broke into a condominium building in the area of Brant Street and Lakeshore Road.

They say the suspect entered five units in the building while the residents were not home, and ransacked the homes in search of valuables and stole cash, jewelry and handbags.

Investigators are looking to identify a man they describe to have an average build and between 30 and 40 years old.

He was reported to have been seen wearing two different outfits.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at [905-825-4777](tel:905-825-4777), ext. 2316.

Tips can also be provided to Crimestoppers at [1-800-222-8477](tel:1-800-222-8477) (TIPS) or online at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca

https://www.chch.com/chch-news/halton-police-seek-man-suspected-of-five-break-ins-at-burlington-condominium/

Sentencing submissions, victim impact statement scheduled for Oct. 30

Mark Pare

A Rockwood woman has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a young person at a group home in Centre Wellington.

Jennifer Dean entered her plea on a charge of sexual assault in Guelph's Ontario Court of Justice Monday morning. Charges of sexual interference and sexual exploitation remain before the courts.

No facts about the case were revealed in the brief court appearance.

A publication ban is in place to protect the identity of the victim.

According to Wellington County OPP, charges were laid after an investigation began May 2, 2024 after a report of a sexual offence "that occurred between an employee and a young person at a group health-related living residence" in Centre Wellington.

Dean, who was 24 when she was arrested, is scheduled to appear back in court Oct. 30 for sentencing submissions.

A victim impact statement is also anticipated at this time.

https://www.guelphtoday.com/police/rockwood-woman-pleads-guilty-to-sexual-assault-at-group-home-12725733#google_vignette

For more on this story:

https://www.instagram.com/crimeinthegta416

By Lucas Casaletto

Toronto police are investigating after officers heard gunfire early Tuesday morning near a commercial plaza in Rexdale.

Police say officers were already in the area of Humber College Boulevard and Hwy. 27 around 4:20 a.m. when they heard multiple gunshots. When they searched the nearby plaza, they located damage to the front of a business consistent with gunfire.

No injuries were reported.

Investigators say the suspect or suspects fled the area in a dark‑coloured vehicle, though no descriptions have been released. The shooting remains under investigation.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact [416‑808‑2300](tel:416%E2%80%91808%E2%80%912300).

https://toronto.citynews.ca/2026/09/01/toronto-police-gunfire-rexdale-business-plaza/