Man who identified as Iranian pastor charged in ‘historical sexual assaults’
Posted April 6, 2023 3:36 pm.
Last Updated April 6, 2023 3:38 pm.
Police have laid several charges against a man that allegedly posed as an Iranian pastor and sexually assaulted multiple women in York Region dating back to 2019.
York Regional Police said an investigation commenced in January 2023 when a 42-year-old woman reported being sexually assaulted.
Authorities determined that the accused met the victim on social media and identified himself as an Iranian pastor, convincing her to move from Iran to Canada by offering her assistance and housing.
It’s alleged that the woman was sexually assaulted multiple times while living in his residence between September and November 2022.
During the course of the investigation, police learned that a second woman, a 40-year-old from Richmond Hill, reported being sexually assaulted by the same man between September 2019 and August 2020. Police said the accused often identified himself as a pastor after being involved with a church in Richmond Hill.
On Thursday, police charged 42-year-old Saeid Rezaei of Newmarket with two counts of sexual assault, two counts of obtaining sexual services for consideration and two counts of uttering threats.
Police have released the man’s photo in hopes more victims will come forward.
