With files from CHCH
The Brantford Police Service (BPS) issued a public advisory regarding the release of a high-risk offender to the community.
William Michael SMITH, 62, was convicted in 2016 for the following offences:
- Sexual Interference x 15
- Invite Sexual Touching x 4
- Print/Publish Child Pornography x 4
- Possess Child Pornography x 3
- Access Child Pornography
- Indecent Assault Female
- Sexual Assault
- Mischief x 3
Described as 6’1, 225 lbs., with green eyes and grey hair, SMITH was released on parole June 28, 2022, with conditions to reside in Brantford.
“Members of the public are advised that the intent of the advisory process, in the interest of public safety, is to increase awareness of the presence of this high-risk offender within the community,” said a representative from the Brantford Police Service. “Special approval from the Chief of Police was required and granted in order to issue a public advisory of this nature. This public advisory has been issued under the authority of Regulation 265-68 of the Police Services Act, which allows for disclosure of personal information about an individual if it is reasonably believed that the individual poses a significant risk or harm to other persons or property and believes that such disclosure would reduce that risk.”
The representative from BPS would not provide any further details regarding the release of Smith.
“Unfortunately privacy laws prevent me from releasing any further detail, aside from what has been provided in the advisory, so I am unable to provide specific answers to many of your questions. While I can confirm that there is a specific place he is required to reside as part of the terms of release, which also includes a curfew, this location cannot be publicly disclosed. I must also take this opportunity to remind the public that vigilante action of any kind will not be tolerated,” said the Brantford Police Service. “The Brantford Police Service Violent Repeat Offender Investigator is working closely with Correctional Services Canada and as you have mentioned, the terms of SMITH’s release as provided by Correctional Service of Canada are strict and will be closely monitored by both the Brantford Police Service and Correctional Service of Canada.”
The current terms of Smith’s release include the following:
- Follow treatment plan/program to be arranged by parole supervisor to address all outstanding domain areas
- To participate in counselling with a mental health professional to address sexual deviancy
- No direct or indirect contact with all victims and family members of those victims unless communications are necessary for any or all of the following purposes: judicial proceedings, mediation sessions, CSC’s Restorative Opportunities program, or other such requirements, with prior written permission from parole supervisor
- Abide by a curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., except for work-related reasons with parole supervisor’s written agreement
- Not permitted to consume alcohol or drugs
- Not to own, use, or possess any technological device that would allow access to the internet, unless previously approved in writing by parole supervisor
- Not to use the internet or other digital networks unless for the purposes of seeking employment, or while engaged in lawful employment and with parole officer’s advanced approval
- Immediately report all sexual and non-sexual relationships and friendships with females and males and any changes to the status of the relationships/friendships to parole supervisor. This includes any attempts to initiate the above. This includes disclosing whether those above have parental responsibilities for children under the age of 18 years.
- Not to reside with another person without the prior knowledge and the written approval of parole supervisor
- Must reside at a specific place approved by Correctional Service of Canada
- Not to reside with another person without the prior knowledge and the written approval of parole supervisor
- Do not associate or communicate with any person you know or have reason to believe is involved in criminal activity.
- Not to be in the presence of any male or female children under the age of 18 years unless under the supervision of a person who has been deemed appropriate by the court and has been deemed a responsible adult who knows your criminal history and has been previously approved in writing by your parole supervisor.
- Not to communicate directly or indirectly by any means with any male or female children under the age of 18 years unless you do so under the supervision of a person who has been deemed appropriate by the court and has been deemed a responsible adult who knows your criminal history and has been previously approved in writing by your parole supervisor.
- Not to be in, near, or around places where children under the age of 16 years are likely to congregate such as daycares, elementary and secondary schools, parks, and playgrounds, swimming pools and recreational centres.
If members of the public observe SMITH breaching any of the terms of his release, please do not approach, but call 9-1-1.
The victims involved in prior incidents have been notified of his release.
The Brantford Police Service is issuing this information and public advisory after careful consideration of all related issues, including privacy concerns, in the belief that it is clearly in the public interest to inform members of the community of the release of SMITH.
