Peel police issue public safety warning about convicted sex offender

Peel police are alerting the public about a convicted sex offender who is moving into a Brampton neighbourhood.

Police say Madilyn Harks (formerly Matthew Harks), age 36, will be living in the Main and Queen streets area.

Harks has been convicted three times of sexually assaulting girls under the age of eight.

“Harks’ young victims have included neighbours and a fellow member of a church congregation,” police said in a release.

Police say Harks is at “an elevated risk to re-offend” and she is not permitted to attend public swimming areas, day-cares, school grounds, playgrounds or community centres, or be in the presence of any child under 14 unless accompanied by a responsible adult approved by her parole supervisor.

Peel police and Correctional Service of Canada say they will be monitoring Harks’ activities but warned residents not to harass her.

“Members of the public are reminded that, although Madilyn Harks does present a safety risk to the public, she remains a Canadian citizen and her rights are guaranteed under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. As such, Peel Regional Police will act to protect these rights if they are infringed.”

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown has issued a statement addressed to Public Safety Minister Goodale saying, “it is completely unacceptable that Matthew Harks (now Madilyn Harks) has been dumped by Correctional Service of Canada in Brampton.”

Brown demanded answers from Goodale stating “the fact that Ms. Harks is in a halfway house and instead of jail is a clear example of how our justice system is broken.”