Man accused of sexual assault seeking bail

A Midland man accused of sexual assault by at least two complainants is seeking bail.

Michael L’Enfant, 32, was arrested last week by OPP, who, at the time, said there could be more victims.

“Investigators believe there may possibly be further victims in the community, and if that is so, those persons are urged to contact the OPP,” said Const. David Hobson with Southern Georgian Bay OPP.

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L’Enfant was accused of several sex crimes, including two counts of sexual assault, three counts of sexual assault with a weapon, administering a noxious substance, communicating for the purpose of obtaining sexual services and overcoming resistance. The latter is defined under the criminal code as choking or strangling someone to the point of unconsciousness or bodily harm.

Investigators say L’Enfant is known to police. Court documents reveal he pleaded guilty to uttering threats in 2023 and was convicted in 2020 for assault with a weapon six years ago.

“There have been criminal code charges in the past, yes,” confirmed Hobson.

On Thursday, L’Enfant appeared in court by video from jail in Penetanguishene, where he learned that he had been charged with another count of sexual assault.

Imposed publication bans protect any evidence heard in court along with the identities of witnesses or complainants in the case.

Last week, police revealed that investigators with a search warrant at a Manly Street home took L’Enfant into custody. Police are encouraging other potential complainants and anyone with additional information about the case to come forward.

The accused is scheduled to make his next appearance in bail court in Barrie on Friday. The allegations against him have not been tested in court.