ABOVE: The re-arrest of Hassan Steven Jarrar has some wondering if our justice system is too soft on violent criminals. Global’s Mark Carcasole has more on this shocking story.
TORONTO – Toronto police have re-arrested a Toronto man on multiple sexual assault and child porn charges following his release from prison nearly two years ago.
Police say Hassan Steven Jarrar, 41, of Toronto, allegedly lured a 14-year-old girl over the internet between Jan. 1 and Feb. 2 of this year and extorted her into meeting him in person.
The accused then allegedly sexually assault the female victim on Feb. 1st and 2nd at a hotel located in the area of The Queensway and Royal York Boulevard.
“The internet, unfortunately is where these predators hang around and they surf on it and they have the time to do it,” said Inspector Joanna Beaven-Desjardins of the Sex Crimes Unit at a press briefing Friday.
“They’re looking for a child, a person to put their information on there. All they have to do is latch on to their phone number, their address, anything about them.”
Jarrar, who police described as a”high risk offender,” was arrested on Feb. 4 and charged with 10 offences including sexual assault, sexual interference, extortion, access to child pornography and luring a child.
In June 2012, police issued a public warning about Jarrar following his release from prison after serving a 15-year sentence for aggravated sexual assault and assault.
“It went through a legal process and that’s the process we have to take,” explained Inspector Beaven-Desjardins. “The public knew he was out there, we do everything we possibly can to monitor these people, conditions through the judicial system.”
At that time, police said Jarrar was considered a high-risk offender and that the public was being notified of his release because of his potential to re-offend.
“He had in excess of 15 conditions, a lot of them pertaining to his address, a curfew, any type of romantic relationships,” Inspector Beaven-Desjardins said.
WATCH: Inspector Joanna Beaven-Desjardins of the Sex Crimes Unit announces the re-arrest of Hassan Steven Jarrar at a press briefing
Investigators say his previous conditions did not involved his actions over the internet.
Police say the accused may have preyed on more victims and are urging the public to come forward with any information.
Meanwhile, authorities are reminding parents to be vigilant over their children’s interactions over the internet and the existence of potential sexual predators.
“They build rapport with these kids. These kids don’t have the mental maturity right now to make the best judgement calls,” said Inspector Beaven-Desjardins. “Parents have to educate themselves and learn more about it.”
-with a file from The Canadian Press
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