A spokesperson with Correctional Service Canada said anyone with information on the whereabouts of 58-year-old Rodney Starke should contact police immediately.
Starke was last seen in Cobourg on Monday, July 22, 2019 on Division Street near the railway station.
Cobourg Police have only issued one release on Monday, July 22, 2019 stating they are concerned for Starke’s “wellbeing.”
In a phone call with Today’s Northumberland on Tuesday afternoon, Communication’s Coordinator for the Cobourg Police, Laurie Debattista did admit police were aware there was a Canada wide warrant for Starke’s arrest, but as of Wednesday evening have not put out any type of press release or advisory to the public.
“We can confirm that the individual was released from our custody on Monday on a Long Term Supervision Order (LTSO), following the completion of his sentence,” stated Media Relations Advisor Justine Lewis from Correctional Service Canada.
“We are aware of the public’s concern around this situation and want to reassure them that the safety of the public is paramount for us and we are working hard with our police partners to bring this individual back into custody.”
Police sources have stated to Today’s Northumberland that Starke had served his full 17-year sentence for a violent assault on a woman. He was released on Monday from Warkworth Institution and was driven to Cobourg where it’s believed he was to take a train to Toronto then fly out west.
Previous to the latest offence, Starke was serving a number of years in prison for a sexual assault with violence.
“CSC works with its criminal justice and law enforcement to provide safe and secure community operations as well as manage the risk of each offender. We have provided all information necessary to the police and will continue to do so,” said Lewis.
Today’s Northumberland reached out to Cobourg Police on Wednesday, July 24, 2019 but as yet haven’t heard back.
Lewis said public safety is paramount in case management decisions.
Supervision plans are developed for every offender who has a Long Term Supervision Order with a focus on identifying the risk factors.
“If there is any indication that an offender’s risk in the community cannot be effectively managed, a warrant of suspension, apprehension and recommitment can be issued. An offender’s case management team will re-evaluate the supervision plan for the offender and consider other alternatives for managing their risk in the community.”
“As such, a warrant of suspension has been issued in this case,” said Lewis.
A police source familiar with the case told Today’s Northumberland, “he is a person who should be treated with all kinds of caution.”
Starke did have the maximum supervision assigned of 10-years under Canada’s Long Term Supervision legislative framework.
“The LTSO provides an extra measure of safety for the public by ensuring that these offenders are supervised even after the completion of their sentence,” said Lewis.
Lewis explained that offenders under the LTSO must abide by specific conditions or they can be taken back into custody which can result in criminal charges.
Starke was last seen on Division Street in Cobourg at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Monday, July 22, 2019.
He is described as 58 years of age, approximately 189 lbs, 6”0 tall, Caucasian, and bald. He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt and dark coloured shorts. He may also be seen carrying a large sized duffle bag along with 2 boxes.
“Anyone with information on this individual’s whereabouts should contact police immediately,” said Lewis.
Exclusive – “Very Bad Man” Is Only Missing Person For Cobourg Police At This Point
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
