Posted on Wednesday March 04, 2026
Investigators with the York Regional Police Special Victims Unit have charged a 47-year-old Coptic Church priest from the Town of East Gwillimbury in connection with the historical sexual assault of a minor.
The investigation began in November 2025, when the victim came forward to report they had been sexually assaulted by the suspect on two occasions between 1996 and 1999. At the time of the assault, the victim was under the age of 16.
On Thursday, February 26, 2026, the suspect was arrested and charged.
Investigators believe there may be additional victims. The suspect’s photo has been released to encourage others to come forward.
Charged: - Michelle (aka Michael) SHAFIK, 47, of East Gwillimbury
| Charges:
- Sexual Assault
- Sexual Interference
|
A sexual assault includes any non-consensual contact of a sexual nature. York Regional 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.
If someone is not ready to report, however is seeking support, please contact York Region Victim Servicesor the Women’s Support Network. Additional resources and information can be found on our website.
Anyone with information is asked to call the York Regional Police Special Victims Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7071 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
Visit our Community Safety Data Portalfor complete stats and crime data within York Region. Crime prevention is our shared responsibility. Learn more about Operation Streetview.
Prepared by: Constable James Dickson
25-373139
March 4, 2026
