Chatham-Kent Man Charged in Historical Sexual Assaults

Investigators with the York Regional Police Special Victims Unit have charged a 73-year-old man from Chatham-Kent in connection with the historical sexual assault of a minor.

The investigation began in June 2026, when the victim came forward to report they had been sexually assaulted by the suspect on three occasions, between 1997 and 1999. At the time of the assaults, the victim was under the age of 16. 

On Thursday, June 25, 2026, Michael GENIOLE, 73, of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, was charged with three counts of sexual assault and three counts of sexual interference.

Investigators are releasing his photo as they believe there may be additional victims. 

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, but is seeking support, please contact York Region Victim Services or 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 Portal for complete stats and crime data within York Region. Crime prevention is our shared responsibility. Learn more about Operation Streetview.