Police arrest man on sex assault charges after months long investigation

KELOWNA, B.C. – A suspect has been arrested this week in British Columbia on charges of assault, sexual assault and forcing a person to have sexual intercourse.

RCMP say Simon Rypiak, also known as Simon Ross, came to their attention last September when nine complainants from four provinces contacted police.

A warrant was issued for his arrest and he was picked up in the Lower Mainland earlier this week.

Police allege that Rypiak recruited people online and would then use physical violence to force them to work as escorts for him.

RCMP Kelowna spokesman Const. Jesse O’Donaghey says police are concerned that there are other people who haven’t yet come forward.

Police say those who came to police so far range in age from 15 to 20 years old and are from B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Quebec.

Police say anyone who may have been solicited by the man, or has any information to help the RCMP investigation should contact the Kelowna RCMP.

A police news release didn’t say when Rypiak is due to appear in court on the allegations.