Police lay more charges in connection to alleged historical sex crimes in northern Ontario

Police in northern Ontario say they have laid additional charges against a 67-year-old man from Attawapiskat First Nation in connection with alleged historical sex crimes. The Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) says it first arrested and charged George (Speedy) Hookimaw on March 18 as part of an investigation that began in November 2024. Police say that’s when they identified three victims, who were allegedly sexually assaulted between 1971 and 1994. The victims were between the ages of four and 17 at the time of the alleged offences, police added in a news release. The incidents allegedly occurred in Attawapiskat First Nation, a fly-in community on the James Bay coast, and the town of Moosonee, which is approximately 250 kilometres from Attawapiskat, the release said. Hookimaw was initially charged with three counts of indecent assault, three counts of gross indecency, two counts of sexual assault and one count of sexual exploitation. Police say he was released on bail conditions and a future court date. Then, on April 16, police say they re-arrested Hookimaw and charged him with one count of sexual interference and two additional counts of sexual assault. They say he remains on bail. “Members of the NAPS Crime Unit continue to investigate and believe there may be more victims who have yet to come forward,” police said in an updated news release Thursday. “If you believe you may have been a victim, or have information that could assist investigators, please call investigators at (705) 272-5600 ext. 103, or email [email protected] or [email protected].” None of the charges have been tested in court. NAPS is a First Nations police force that serves 34 communities in northern Ontario. Continue Reading