Mayor Patrick Brown: “Completely Unacceptable” to Have Sex Offender Living in Brampton

Published March 23, 2019 at 6:50 pm

Brampton mayor Patrick Brown has issued a statement criticizing the recent decision to have a convicted sex offender start

Brampton mayor Patrick Brown has issued a statement criticizing the recent decision to have a convicted sex offender start living in Brampton.

On Friday, March 22, police advised the public that 36-year-old Madilyn Harks (formerly Matthew Harks) would be living in the Main Street and Queen Street area.

Harks has been convicted of sexual assault against young females under the age of eight.

“Members of the public are reminded that, although Madilyn Harks does present a safety risk to the public, she remains a Canadian citizen and her rights are guaranteed under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms,” police say.

Today (Saturday, March 22), Patrick Brown sent a letter signaling his disapproval to Canada’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Ralph Goodale.

“It is completely unacceptable that Matthew Harks (now Madilyn Harks), has been dumped by Correctional Service Canada in Brampton,” Brown wrote to Goodale.

“This is a pedophile with multiple convictions including 3 convictions of sexual assault against girls under the age of 8 and this monster has claimed to have victimized 60 girls. The fact that Ms. Harks is in a half way house instead of jail is a clear example of [how] our justice system is broken.”

Brown also inquires as to why Harks has been released if information from Peel Police indicates she is at an elevated risk to re-offend.

“We demand answers from you. I look forward to your response,” Brown writes in conclusion.

Brown provided a copy of the letter to members of Brampton City Council as well as Chris McCord, Interim Chief of Peel Regional Police.

We’ll update with further information on this story as it develops.

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