UPDATE 1 – Arrest Made - Police Investigating Break and Enter and Sexual Assault in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Detectives with the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Sexual Assault Unit (SAU) continued to investigate the incident of an alleged break and enter and sexual assault in Niagara-on-the-Lake on the evening of December 19, 2025.  As a result of their investigation a suspect was identified and arrested.

33-year-old Nicholas B. MORINELLO, of Niagara Falls has been arrested and charged with the following offences.

• Break and Enter to Commit
• Sexual Interference
• Sexual Assault

MORINELLO remains in custody and is scheduled to attend a bail hearing Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse, located at 59 Church Street in St. Catharines.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service’s Sexual Assault Unit at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009519.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.

NRPS Incident 25-146863

ORIGINAL MEDIA RELEASE

Police Investigating Break and Enter and Sexual Assault in Niagara-on-the-Lake

On Friday, December 19, 2025, at approximately 11:20 p.m., the Niagara Regional Police Service were called to a home in the area of Wall Road and Four Mile Creek Road in the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake following a report of a break and enter.

Further investigation led to information of the sexual assault of a female under the age of 15.

Detectives are continuing to investigate this incident and are seeking to identify a white male, mid-30's, approximately 5’11”, with a medium build, who was last seen wearing blue jeans, a black jacket, a blue toque, and black boots.

Anyone who may have information or video surveillance from the area during the time period between 10:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. is asked to contact police at 905-688-4111, dial option3, extension 1009519.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.