35-year-old Brantford man arrested after sexual assault investigation

Police have arrested a 35-year-old Branford man in connection with a sexual assault investigation that began in 2025.

Since November 2025, multiple victims of sexual assaults have been identified to authorities.

As a result of the investigation, Zachary Steele has been charged with the following offences:

• Sexual assault, victim under 16 years old
• Invitation to sexual touching
• Sexual interference
• Sexual assault (four counts)
• Aggravated sexual assault
• Sexual assault causing bodily harm (two counts)
• Assault
• Forcible confinement
• Voyeurism
• Distribution of intimate images without consent
• Beastiality

According to police, Steele is known to be involved in the live action role play community in Brantford, as well as the online platform FetLife.

He is known to use the following online aliases:

• SteeleEgg
• Steel242
• TheSteele
• Bastardofsteele
• Plotsteelr

Investigators believe there may be more victims in Brantford and other communities.

Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact police at 519-756-7050.

Those wishing to provide information anonymously can do so through Crime Stoppers at 519-750-8477 or 1-800-222-8477. Tips can also be submitted on their website.

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