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Webequie, ON – October 7, 2024 – A teacher has been arrested and charged with sexual assault following an investigation into allegations involving a minor in Webequie First Nation.
The Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) launched an investigation in September 2024 after receiving reports of sexual assault against a 15-year-old male youth in the community. The investigation revealed that the accused, a teacher in Webequie, had allegedly assaulted the youth.
The NAPS Northwest Crime Unit joined the investigation, which led to an arrest warrant being issued. On Sunday, October 6th, police arrested 26-year-old Noah John Sisson of Holland Landing, Ontario, without incident.
Charges and Potential Penalties:
Sisson faces the following charges:
- Sexual Assault on a Person Under 16 Years of Age: This charge relates to any sexual contact without consent with a person under the age of 16. Upon conviction, the maximum penalty is 10 years imprisonment.
- Invitation to Sexual Touching Under 16 Years of Age: This charge involves inviting, counseling, or inciting a person under 16 to touch, directly or indirectly, the body of any person for a sexual purpose. The maximum penalty is 14 years imprisonment.
- Sexual Interference: This charge covers a range of sexual offences against children under 16, including touching for a sexual purpose, inciting a child to touch for a sexual purpose, and sexual exploitation. The maximum penalty is 14 years imprisonment.
Court Appearance and Ongoing Investigation:
Sisson appeared in court for a bail hearing on Monday, October 7th, and was remanded into custody pending a future court date.
The investigation is ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
“Investigators urge anyone who may have information, or may have been a victim or know of possible victims, to contact the NAPS Northwest Crime Unit at (807) 623-2161 ext. 6114,” stated a police representative.
Individuals can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com.
