Sexual Assault Charges Against Peterborough Priest Withdrawn

Sexual assault and sexual interference charges that were laid on Roman Catholic priest Father Neil Pereira in late July have been withdrawn.

Youtube Screenshot.

The Office of the Crown Attorney had dropped all charges against Pereira after conducting a criminal investigation.

The Toronto priest was on loan to the Diocese of Peterborough and has been working in town since late 2022. Pereira also served as campus minister for Trent University and Fleming College. He was charged with sexual assault and sexual interference on July 26.

Sexual Interference is when a person, for a sexual purpose, touches, directly or indirectly, with a part of the body or with an object, any part of the body of a person under the age of 16 years.

Pereira was removed from pastoral ministry after receiving the allegations following diocesan protocols. The Diocese of Peterborough and the Archdiocese of Toronto cooperated fully with authorities and the police during the investigation.

The Diocese of Peterborough and the Archdiocese of Toronto have released a joint statement regarding the matter on Wednesday afternoon:

“As the charges have been withdrawn and the criminal investigation and process have been concluded, the Archdiocese of Toronto will conduct its ecclesial investigation in accordance with its policy. A further update at the conclusion of this investigation will be provided by the Archdiocese of Toronto.”

Police had released Pereira’s identity since the offences could lead to other possible victims.

“Every accused is entitled to due process. We recognize that any allegation of misconduct against a priest is newsworthy. At the same time, it is essential to update stories and reports to reflect that the charges have been withdrawn to assist in restoring the reputation of Fr. Pereira. Both the Archdiocese of Toronto and Diocese of Peterborough look upon any allegation of misconduct as an urgent matter that requires serious attention,” according to the joint statement.

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Woman Robbed While Sleeping; Man and Woman Arrested For Robbery With Violence

A Peterborough woman and man have been charged with robbery with violence after a street-level robbery on Monday night.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 8 p.m., officers were called to the Aylmer Street and Sherbrooke Street area after a woman attended a nearby business asking for help. Officers learned that the woman had been sleeping and woke up to find two people going through her pockets and belongings. When she tried to get away, she was kicked and punched by the suspects. The pair fled the area shortly after while the woman was treated at the scene.

At approximately 9:25 a.m. on Tuesday, officers with the Community FIRST unit were in the area of George Street North and Dalhousie Street. They spotted the suspects matching the descriptions given to police and took them into custody.

As a result of the investigation:

A 33-year-old Peterborough woman was arrested and charged with:

  • Robbery with violence

A 48-year-old Peterborough man was arrested and charged with:

  • Robbery with violence

Both accused were released on an undertaking and are scheduled to appear in court, April 2.

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Connection Unknown From Two Weekend Break-and-Enter Incidents

The Peterborough Police Service is investigating two break-and-enter incidents but is unsure if they are connected from over the weekend.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The first occurred in the Auburn and Dunlop Street area at roughly 3:30 a.m. on Sunday. A resident reported waking up to find the back and front doors open. They noticed some items in the home had been moved and only an old pair of sneakers was taken.

The second incident happened at about 3:20 a.m. on Monday in the Armour Road and McFarlane Street area. The resident awoke and discovered a man in her room saying he needed to deliver a pizza. The man was told he had the wrong house, was escorted out of the residence and was last seen heading north on Armour Road.

No injuries were reported in either incident.

The man was described as:

  • 6 ft.

  • White

  • Approx. 35 years old

  • Light brown hair

  • Wearing blue jeans, a light blue button-up shirt, greenish dress shoes and a black jacket  

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

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15-Year-Old Girl Facing Charges After Stabbing Male Teen In Church Parking Lot

A 15-year-old Peterborough teen is facing an assault charge after an incident over the lunch hour at the St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church parking lot on Thursday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At around noon, officers received reports of a disturbance involving a large group of young people.

They discovered that a 15-year-old male had been stabbed. He was taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre with non-life-threatening injuries.

The female was arrested and charged with:

  • Aggravated Assault

The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court March 25.

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One Person Taken to Hospital After Church Parking Lot Stabbing; Suspect In Custody As Peterborough Police Investigate Area

One person has been taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre after a stabbing at the St. Stephen's Presbyterian Church parking lot while another individual has been taken into custody.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Just after noon, officers were reported a disturbance in the parking lot when the learned of the incident upon arrival.

Peterborough Police Service assure there is no further for concern for public safety in the area.

Police presence are on Hilliard and St. Paul’s Street conducting an investigation.

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Peterborough Police Investigating Fire Incident At Hunter Street Residence Early Tuesday Morning

The Peterborough Police Service has closed off a Hunter Street residence on the corner of Bethune Street to investigate a suspicious fire occurring early Tuesday morning.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 5:10 a.m., officers were called to the scene of the residence. Police have reported no injuries with minimal damage reported.

Police presence including Forensic Identification Unit Officers are in the area for the investigation.

While the residence is closed off, roads remain open without police guidance.

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Charges Laid On Three Peterborough Teens For Discharging Firearms and Air Guns In a Vehicle; Drugs Discovered After Arrest

Three Peterborough teens including two minors have been charged after shooting firearms and air guns in a car and drug possession on Sunday evening.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

At roughly 10 p.m., officers received reports of a vehicle with people shooting a pellet gun at others in the Brock Street and George Street area.

During a police investigation, the vehicle returned to the area and more shots were heard. Officers followed the vehicle across the Hunter Street bridge and were able to get the vehicle to stop in the James Street and Mark Street area. As officers drew their firearms, they conducted a gun point arrest. All three suspects in the vehicle were taken into custody without incident. No one was seriously injured. 

During a search after the arrest, police discovered a loaded replica handgun, ammunition and a small quantity of drugs.

As a result of the investigation:

An 18-year-old Peterborough man was arrested and charged with:

  • Discharge firearm with Intent

  • Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance- Cocaine

  • Dangerous operation

  • Flight from peace officer

The accused is being held in custody and will appear in court on Monday.

A 16-year-old Peterborough male was arrested and charged with:

  • Discharge Air Gun with Intent

  • Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance- Cocaine

  • Possession of Firearm or Ammunition contrary to Prohibition Order

  • Fail to comply with sentence (Youth Criminal Justice Act)

A 14-year-old Peterborough male was arrested and charged with:

  • Discharge Air Gun with Intent

  • Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance- Cocaine

  • Possession of Firearm or Ammunition contrary to Prohibition Order

  • Fail to comply with sentence (Youth Criminal Justice Act)

Both underage suspects are currently bound by a probation order with the following condition, to not communicate with several people including the one of the other people in the vehicle.

They are bound by a prohibition order with the following condition, to not possess any firearm, prohibited weapon or ammunition. 

Both youth are being held in custody and will appear in court on Monday.

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Peterborough Man Arrested On Multiple Drug Possession Charges Including Cocaine, Crystal Meth and Fentanyl

A 32-year-old Peterborough man is facing several drug possession charges after an investigation by the Peterborough Police Service Drug Unit on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Police Service.

Drug Unit officers took the male into custody and executed a search warrant on a George Street North residence.

Officers seized:

  • 100 grams - Cocaine

  • 1,373 grams - Crystal Methamphetamine

  • 118.8 grams - Fentanyl

  • Approximately $10,000 in Canadian currency

The accused is held in custody and will appear in court on Friday.

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Second Minor Involved In Alleged Petes Billet Exploitative Relationship; Peterborough Police Release Statement

A Peterborough woman and former Petes billet who was facing sexual exploitation charges from Feb. 21 has been linked with a second minor according to the Peterborough Police.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

Investigation Services began an investigation earlier in the month, leading to the woman's arrest.

She is being charged with:

  • Sexual exploitation

  • Making sexually explicit material available to a person under 18 years of age

  • Accessing child pornography

With the ongoing investigation, Police arrested the woman on Thursday learning a second minor was involved. She was further charged with:

  • Making sexually explicit material available to a person under 18 years of age

The accused is being held in custody and will appear in court on Friday..

A publication ban is in place to protect the identity of any victims, witnesses and/or complainants. 

The Peterborough Police Service is not looking for any other suspects according to a police statement.

“We appreciate that there is public interest in this case.  The Peterborough Police Service is committed to ensuring the privacy of the victims and asks for your ongoing patience as the investigation continues and the case moves through the judicial process. As this case is before the courts, there will not be any further comment.”

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Former Peterborough Petes Billet Charged With Alleged Exploitive Relationship With Player

A former Petes billet parent was arrested in Peterborough on Feb. 21 and charged with sexual exploitation.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

The accused allegedly made sexually explicit material to a minor and created obscene matter.

The incidents allegedly occurred during February and March last year.

A publication ban has been placed regarding any information identifying a complainant or witness involved.

The billet was released after posting a $5,000 bond with their next court date on March 19.

The Petes organization has not commented on the situation.

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