Ontario Coptic priest charged in historical sexual assaults: YRP
Posted March 4, 2026 10:03 am.
Last Updated March 4, 2026 1:29 pm.
A 47‑year‑old priest from East Gwillimbury, Ont., has been charged in connection with the historical sexual assault of a minor, York Regional Police (YRP) said.
Police say the investigation began in November 2025, when a victim reported being sexually assaulted by the suspect on two occasions between 1996 and 1999. At the time of the alleged assaults, the victim was under the age of 16.
Following months of investigation, officers arrested the suspect on Feb. 26, 2026.
Police have identified the accused as Michelle (also known as Michael) Shafik, 47, of East Gwillimbury, Ont. He’s been charged with sexual assault and sexual interference.
York Regional Police tell CityNews the suspect was not a priest at the time of the alleged assaults, and the incidents did not occur in a church setting.
However, police say the concern now is that Shafik currently holds a position of authority within the Coptic community, prompting investigators to release his photograph in hopes of identifying additional victims.
The investigation is ongoing.
