Man Charged in Ontario Child Sexual Assaults From 3 Decades Ago Granted Bail

Peel Regional Police logo is shown on a vehicle in Brampton, Ont., on Nov. 7, 2019. The Canadian Press/Cole Burston

A man charged with sexual assaults on children in Ontario more than 30 years ago has been granted bail with conditions.

Peel Regional Police announced charges against Richard Neil, 64, on March 29 for crimes dating back to 1992. Police said Mr. Neil currently resides in British Columbia and was arrested on March 3.

He is facing 20 criminal charges, including kidnapping, forcible confinement, sexual assault with a weapon, uttering death threats, and sexual interference.

In an investigation called Project Woodland, Peel Regional Police, Halton Regional Police, and Waterloo Regional Police investigated incidents that occurred between 1992 and 1995. A publication ban is in place on the case and court proceedings to protect the privacy of the victims.

Mr. Neil was granted bail in a Brampton court on April 3, according to CBC News. He will live with family in British Columbia and must wear an electronic monitoring device.

His next appearance is May 6.

Officials said there may be other victims and have asked anyone with information to contact the Peel Regional Police Special Victims Unit at 905-453-2121, extension 3460. Anonymous tips can also be made with Crime Stoppers, 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Historic Cases

Advances in DNA have helped police solve other historical crimes, including a Quebec murder in 2000.

Marc-André Grenon was found guilty by a jury in February after police matched his DNA from discarded drinking straws to the crime scene where junior college student Guylaine Potvin was found dead.

Toronto police were given a government grant to advance methods of solving cold cases across the province, according to Michael Arntfield, a criminologist and professor at Western University.

Investigators are now able to access DNA information from thousands of samples and profiles posted online, including those from private DNA kits linked to genetic tracing.

One example is the case of Tennesse businesswoman Jewell Parchman Langford, who was found dead outside of Ottawa in 1975. Police were unable to identify Ms. Langford, until they were able to use her DNA to track down individuals listed in a family tree with the help of a California lab in 2019.

With that information, police were able to search for possible suspects.

Rodney Nichols, 81, who resides in Hollywood, Fla., was charged in the case.

The Canadian Press contributed to this report.