Investigators with the York Regional Police Hate Crime Prevention Unit have charged a youth following a series of hate-motivated incidents across York Region and the City of Toronto.
In November 2025, police were notified of multiple hate-motivated incidents involving indecent communications targeting the Jewish community in York Region and Toronto. The suspect, a youth, made anti-Semitic comments over the phone to staff members at synagogues, community centres and Jewish schools.
On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, investigators executed a warrant at a residence in the Town of Newmarket and arrested the suspect. Officers located a quantity of a controlled substance believed to be Psilocybin.
Charged: - 14-year-old Male, of the Town of Newmarket
| Charges: - Mischief Relating to Religious Property x10
- Indecent Communications x10
- Possession of a Schedule III Substance
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The investigation is ongoing.
“I am proud of the efforts of our investigators whose dedicated work led to the successful arrest of this suspect,” Chief Jim MacSween said. “Hate has no place in York Region, and we continue to stand with the Jewish community. We will always do our part to end hate, bigotry and discrimination in all forms.”
“I am appalled and disappointed a youth feels emboldened to commit these offences,” Chief Jim MacSween continued. “These incidents underscore the need for commitment from all institutions in our society to work together to ensure our youths remain on a positive path forward.”
York Regional Police takes all hate-motivated incidents seriously and is reminding the community we will not tolerate any form of hate crime. All reports of hate crime or hate/bias incidents will be investigated thoroughly. If you witness or have been the victim of a hate crime or hate/bias incident, we encourage you to report it to police immediately.
Anyone with information is asked to call the York Regional Police Hate Crime Prevention Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6552, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
Crime prevention is our shared responsibility: Find up-to-date crime data in York Region on the Community Safety Data Portal, or become a partner in community safety by signing up for the Security Camera Registry today.
Prepared by: Constable James Dickson
January 22, 2026
25-367312
