Man charged with sexual assault, harassment after repeated victim reports followed

A 28-year-old is facing two charges after reporting sexual assault earlier this month.

On Tuesday, officers from the Sault Ste. Marie police have made an arrest in connection with the investigation.

On October 7, police received a report of an assault that occurred on September 4.

Police say there were “instances of unwanted communication” between the victim and the suspect.

“Investigation revealed that the suspects had hugged the victim without their consent,” a press release said. “Over the following weeks, the defendants made several attempts to communicate with and follow the victim, despite being told to leave them alone. The victim and the defendant are known to each other. A warrant was issued for their arrest .”

Devpriya Balhara is accused of sexual assault and criminal intimidation.

The suspect was released on an undertaking and will appear in court again on December 9, 2024.

None of the charges have been tested in court and Balhara is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.