Ottawa Man Charged with 20 Counts in Summer Assaults; More Victims Sought

BREAKING: An Ottawa man has been charged in connection with a series of alarming assaults that occurred in the city’s east end over the summer. The Ottawa Police Service is urgently seeking more victims as they investigate four separate incidents reported between July 15 and September 10, 2023.

Authorities have charged Justin Ricardo Jean Baptiste with a staggering 20 counts of criminal harassment, alongside three counts of sexual assault, one count of mischief under $5,000, and one count of having his face disguised. The incidents reportedly involved him following victims down the street before assaulting them. In multiple cases, he allegedly became a client at local businesses offering professional services, where he made inappropriate physical contact with victims.

Police have expressed serious concern that there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. They have taken the extraordinary step of releasing Jean Baptiste’s photo in hopes of identifying anyone who may have experienced similar harassment or assault.

“We are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying potential witnesses or victims who have been followed by the accused and/or inappropriately touched or attempted to be touched,” stated a police spokesperson in a media release. “We also urge anyone who provides professional services and has been engaged by the accused to reach out if they have encountered inappropriate behavior.”

Jean Baptiste is described as a man in his late 20s with a slender build and glasses. The police are imploring anyone with information to contact the Ottawa Police Service’s East Investigations Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 3566.

The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated; victims may not realize they have been targeted by the same individual. As the community grapples with these disturbing reports, the police continue to investigate and ensure public safety.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available and as the police continue their search for additional victims. Share this to help spread awareness and assist in the investigation.