1 Arrested in Historical Sexual Assault Investigation – Fort Erie

The Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Sexual Assault Unit (SAU) are investigating allegations of sexual assault which occurred between February to April 2024, at a shelter in the Town of Fort Erie.

As a result of the investigation 57-year-old Fredy CARDONA of Niagara Falls was arrested on Monday, February 16, 2026, and is charged with the following criminal offences:

•             Sexual Assault

•             Personating a Peace Officer (2 counts)

•             Intimidation (2 counts)

CARDONA remains in custody and is scheduled to attend a bail hearing on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street, St. Catharines.

CARDONA has worked in various roles with community agencies supporting newcomers and other vulnerable individuals, including refugees and asylum seekers, in the Niagara Region since 2023.

Detectives believe there could be further victims and are asking anyone with information related to this incident to contact Niagara Regional Police Service at (905) 688-4111, option 3, extension 1009638.

Members of the community who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477(TIPS). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to people who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.

2024-75075