Sex Assault, Voyeurism Arrest
On Monday, July 22, 2019, Toronto Police announced the arrest of 64-year-old Efren Chimbo who was offering photography services out of his residence. It is believed that numerous women attended his home to have their photos taken in the last 10 years.
The police investigation started last June and a search warrant was executed in the Rogers Rd. and Dufferin St. area. A number of electronic devices were seized.
At the time, Chimbo was charged with sexual assault and two counts each of voyeurism, making child pornography and possession of child pornography in relation to two victims under the age of 18.
At a news conference at police headquarters on December 18, it was revealed that Chimbo faces three counts of sexual assault and two counts of voyeurism in relation to four more women, one of which was under the age of 18.
D/Const. Alexandra Marks of the Sex Crimes-Child Exploitation Section said the offence dates for the charges range from 2011 to 2019.
She also pointed out that officers analyzed the devices during the execution of the search warrant and located several videos that police believe to be of a voyeuristic nature.
“The videos all appear to have been recorded inside Mr. Chimbo’s residence during photography sessions,” said Marks. “Some of the videos are of women who we have not yet identified and I am asking anyone who has attended Mr. Chimbo’s residence for photographs who has not yet contacted us to please do so in order for us to identify the women in these videos.”
Marks said that anyone who may not be contacting police because they are concerned about their immigration status need not worry as their status will not be affected by reporting to police.
Police, she added, are also concerned that there are more victims who may have been sexually assaulted by Mr. Chimbo.
“Please know that we are here to listen, free from judgment, to anyone who would like to speak to us about a sexual assault, even if you do not wish to proceed with criminal charges,” she said. “There are many reasons why someone may or may not wish to report a sexual assault to the police. While I have been standing here encouraging women to come forward to us, I understand that not everyone is comfortable disclosing to the police.”
The Toronto Police Service has developed an online resource - yourchoice.to -to support those impacted by sexual violence.
“Keeping in mind that many survivors will never report to police, the developers wanted to ensure that this website contained as much information as possible to allow survivors to make informed choices as to the process that is right for them,” said Marks. “Whether that be to report to police, go to the hospital, seek counselling from a community service provider or talk to a friend. If you are a survivor or are supporting a family member, friend or loved one, please go to www.yourchoice.to to find support services that are accessible to you.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-8500, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at 222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.
