Cobourg Police released more information regarding a criminal investigation that commenced after a resident lodged a complaint against a town employee on Saturday September 11, 2021.
A release indicated a person was arrested and released on a undertaking with no other information at that time being shared by police.
Today’s Northumberland was the first to report the accused is a employee at the Cobourg Community Centre.
On Thursday, September 16, 2021 police issued a further release including charges against the accused.
Michael Dale Orleck (age 27) of Hamilton Township has been charged with the following offences.
1 Sexual Assault – contrary to section 271 of the Criminal Code
2 Mischief to Property Under $5000 – contrary to section 430(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
3 Criminal Harassment – contrary to section 264 of the Criminal Code
Orleck was released from custody with strict conditions and a court date in October of 2021.
The release states, “the identity of the accused was not released to protect the integrity of the investigation and ensure the victim’s privacy.”
“The subsequent investigation revealed information suggesting there may be other victims,” stated the release.
Speaking with Today’s Northumberland Cobourg Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf stated ongoing criminal investigations can be very “dynamic” in terms of complexity.
“It’s just come to a point in the investigation where we felt it was not only prudent, but required to release the information and going one step further by releasing the photo (of the accused).”
VandeGraaf stated police want to confirm they are not missing any “uncovered stone.” We want to make sure this investigation is complete as it can be. We want to make sure we are serving victims of crime in the most safe and effective manner.”
VandeGraaf stated, “we don’t believe there is unwanted worry or anything to that effect about community risk, but at the same time we want to make sure our investigation is complete and thorough.”
VandeGraaf said a number of people from the community have contacted him with concerns throughout the course of the day.
Cobourg Mayor John Henderson issued the following statement, “on the evening of September 11th, a Town employee was arrested. As Mayor, I take this very seriously. As such, the Town of Cobourg will be fully cooperating with the
Cobourg Police Service as they conduct their criminal investigation and will not be providing any further comment at this time.”
CAO Tracey Vaughan said the Orleck, “is not at work pending the outcome of the investigation.”
Orleck worked at the Cobourg Community Centre but is currently prohibited from attending there until the conclusion of the court proceedings.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Sergeant John Linney at 905-372-6821 extension 2229 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by phone by calling 1-800-222-8477 or online by visiting stopcrimehere.ca.
A sexual assault includes any non-consensual contact of a sexual nature. Police would like to encourage anyone who feels they may have been a victim of a sexual assault to come forward and report the incident to police. There is no statute of limitations for sexual offences, and offenders can be prosecuted well after the date of the offence.
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
