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TORONTO — A quarantine screening officer who allegedly demanded cash from a woman before sexually assaulting her at her home faces related charges, police said on Wednesday.
The accused had been trained by the Public Health Agency of Canada as a designated screening officer under the Quarantine Act, Halton regional police said.
According to a police statement, the accused was doing a quarantine compliance check at a home in Oakville, Ont., on Feb. 18.
“The accused informed the victim that they were in violation of the quarantine order and demanded that a fine be paid in cash,” police alleged. “When the victim declined to pay, she was sexually assaulted by the accused.”
Police said they arrested a man they identified only as Hemant, 27, of Hamilton, on Tuesday. He has been charged with sexual assault and extortion.
The Public Health Agency of Canada said it was “very disturbed” by the alleged events and was co-operating with investigators.
Police refused to disclose the name of the security company that employs the man, but said he had been suspended.
The Public Health Agency said it had awarded contracts last month to four companies to conduct in-person compliance visits.
Agency spokesman Eric Morrissette said trained and designated screening officers working under these contracts began in-person compliance visits on Jan. 29 in Montreal and Toronto.
The national rollout began on Feb. 15 he said.
“Close to 30,000 compliance verification visits have been done so far,” Morrissette said.
Everyone entering Canada must isolate for 14 days. Designated screening officers visit quarantine locations to confirm people are where they said they would be on arrival in the country. Failure to comply can result in fines.
However, screening officers are not police officers and have no authority to issue a ticket or arrest anyone. As a result, they should never be demanding payment during a quarantine-compliance check.
To be designated, officers must be licensed security guards and have had a valid police background check. Training comprises online self-study courses related to the Quarantine Act and their duties and responsibilities. They must also pass an exam.
The Public Health Agency listed the four companies under contract as the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires, G4S Secure Solutions (Canada) Ltd., Garda Canada Security Corporation (GardaWorld), and Paladin Risk Solutions.
The investigation announced Wednesday was prompted by a complaint from the alleged victim, said Const. Steve Elms, a police spokesman, who had no other details. Elms said the accused is on bail pending a court appearance March 23 and apparently goes only by one name.
Police said other people might have been victimized and urged anyone who might have had a similar experience to contact their local police.
Issues have previously arisen with quarantine guards. Last year, private security contractors at a quarantine hotel in Melbourne, Australia, were accused of sleeping with guests, the Herald Sun reported.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 24, 2021.
Colin Perkel, The Canadian Press