As a result of a multi-jurisdictional joint forces investigation, investigators from Peel Regional Police, Halton Regional Police, and Waterloo Regional Police, have charged a British Columbia man in a series of historical sexual assaults on children.
The investigation, known as Project Woodland, related to historical sexual assaults on children occurring from 1992 to 1995 in the involved services regions.
On March 3, 2024, investigators arrested and charged Richard Neil, a 64-year-old man, with 20 criminal charges, including the following alleged offences:
- Kidnapping
- Uttering Death Threats
- Sexual Assault
- Sexual Assault with a Weapon
- Sexual Interference
- Invitation to Sexual Touching
- Administering Noxious Thing with Intent
- Forcible Confinement
He was held for a bail hearing.
There is a publication ban in place to protect the identity of the victims, and no additional information is being released at this time.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Peel Regional Police, Special Victims Unit at 905-453-2121, extension 3460.
Anonymous information may also be submitted by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by visiting PeelCrimeStoppers.ca.
