Members of the Muskoka Crime Unit of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged Toronto deputy mayor and councillor for Ward 21 in Scarborough, Michael Thompson, who is seeking re-election in the October municipal election, with two counts of sexual assault.
In September 2022, a report was filed alleging sexual assaults had taken place at a private residence in the District Municipality of Muskoka earlier this year.
As a result of the investigation, Michael Thompson, 62, of Toronto, has been charged with two counts of sexual assault. He’s also been removed as deputy mayor of Toronto, according to a statement issued by Mayor John Tory.
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on November 1, 2022.
No further details will be provided to protect the identity of the victims, states a release issued by the OPP today, September 30.
Meanwhile, lawyer Calvin Barry, acting for Thompson, told the Toronto Sun “he will be pleading not guilty” and will “vigorously defend himself” against the allegations which Barry called “baseless.” He also told the Sun Thompson has been “cooperating” in the investigation.
Anyone who has any information in relation to this investigation or believes they are a victim of a similar incident is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
A sexual offence can be reported to police no matter how long ago it happened and someone can be charged for sexual assault. Our duty is to bring an appropriate resolution to the case by conducting a professional and thorough investigation, while at the same time providing necessary information, resources and support.
Report sexual assault by calling the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or 9-1-1 in an emergency. You can also visit www.opp.ca and search ‘sexual assault’ to learn more.
If you do not want to make a report to police or need time and support to make that decision, we have partnered with many other agencies that can help. Ontario 211 provides information on and referrals to Ontario’s community, social, health-related and government services. Simply call 2-1-1 or visit 211ontario.ca for more information.
You can also find local resources and support by searching your location on the Victim Services Directory at http://services.findhelp.ca/ovss/ or contact the Rape Coalition of Ontario at https://sexualassaultsupp
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