In November of 2024, detectives with the Sexual Assault Unit with the Niagara Regional Police Service began an investigation regarding historical sexual assaults that occurred on young persons in the Region of Niagara.
Investigation revealed that a 52 year old male had sexually assaulted 2 males under the age of 16 between the years of 1996 and 2016 in the Region of Niagara.
On Thursday, December 19, 2024, the suspect was arrested. Todd Douglas WILLISTON (52 years old) of Niagara Falls was arrested and charged with the following offences:
– Sexual Assault under 14 years
– Sexual Interference (2 Counts)
– Invitation to Sexual Touching (3 Counts)
– Counselling Indictable Offence that is Not Committed to wit: Make and Distribute Child
Pornography
– Sexual Exploitation
– Sexual Assault
– Sexual Assault under 16 years
WILLISTON was held in custody pending a bail hearing that is expected to take place on December 19, 2024 at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street in the City of St. Catharines.
WILLISTON is currently employed as a school bus driver in the City of Niagara Falls and is known to have been involved in the Martial Arts community as a Karate Instructor.
The investigation remains ongoing by detectives with the Sexual Assault Unit and the Child Abuse Unit with the Niagara Regional Police Service.
Detectives have reason to suspect there may be more victims.
Anyone who may have been a victim or anyone with information is asked to contact detectives with the Niagara Regional Police Service at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009535.
Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.
#24-132998 and #24-128203
See photos.