High-risk sex offender released

Winnipeg Police and RCMP are warning residents about a convicted sex offender, considered to be at high-risk to reoffend, who was scheduled to be released from prison Saturday.

Timothy Frederick Koltusky, formerly known as Kevin Steppan, 26, was scheduled to be released from Stony Mountain Institution on Saturday, and is expected to move into the Winnipeg area.

“There is significant concern with regards to this individual’s background and the potential of this individual reoffending,” said Cst. Jayson Michalyshen.

Steppan was convicted of sexual assault with a weapon as well as a variety of other criminal offences. He participated in sex offender treatment programs but is still considered at high-risk to reoffend.

Steppan legally changed his name to Koltusky, and has been serving a sentence after sexually assaulting two local sex trade workers in 2005. While in prison, he allegedly stalked and sent disturbing letters to Winnipegger Amanda Westervelt. One such letter was addressed to an imaginary daughter named Kanada that he believed he shared with Westervelt.

Koltusky’s release last summer prompted Westervelt to take out a protection order against him, as she feared for her safety. He was sent back to prison three months ago after breaching his probation, but now, he’s being let out again.

Westervelt was shocked to learn from media Friday that Koltusky is being let out of jail again, and wants to know why she wasn’t formally notified of his release.

"It’s stressful, it’s heartache, it’s frustrating; I’m mad, I’m upset,” she said.

"My family’s worried for my safety, of course, but they’re also worried for theirs."

Westervelt is also taking precautionary measures, now that she knows her harasser is going to be out on the streets again: she declined to appear on camera, Friday, out of fear that Steppan, or “Koltusky,” may come after her.

"I can’t be on camera anymore, I can’t be out alone with my son,” said Westervelt.

"They should just lock him up and throw away the key.”

One thing is for sure: she doesn’t feel protected by the system.

“Get him off the streets, like what’s with the justice system?"

Police warn that females are at particular risk of sexual violence, and urge anyone with information about Koltusky to contact the High Risk Sex Offender Unit at 984-1888.