SFPS are warning the public of a high risk sex offender Garry Devitt
Smiths Falls Police are alerting the public as a precautionary measure regarding a High Risk Sex Offender whom they have deemed to be at an elevated risk to re-offend now that he is no longer on parole.
Police are reminding the public although 69-year-old Garry Devitt does present a safety risk to the public, his rights are guaranteed under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms Act.
Devitt was convicted in 1997 of a “violent and horrific” sexual assault investigation which resulted in a seven year sentence for aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault cause bodily harm, forcible confinement, possession of a weapon, break and enter and uttering threats.
He was released from custody and in 2015, was convicted for failing to comply with an order, counselling to commit murder and sexual assault cause bodily harm to another victim outside this jurisdiction.
Devitt was sentenced to custody and placed on parole.
He’s no longer on parole but is still monitored by Smiths Falls Police. A recent ongoing trespassing investigation has led police to believe that there is a high risk for Devitt to re-offend.
The Chief of Police has the authority under Ontario Regulation 412/23 of the Community Safety and Policing Act of Ontario if they reasonably believe that the individual poses a significant risk to other persons or property and the disclosure of the personal information is necessary to reduce the risk as described.
You’re asked to contact Smiths Falls Police regarding any incident involving Devitt.