Police make arrest in NOTL break in, sexual assault of minor

A 33-year-old man has been arrested following an alleged break in and sexual assault of a minor in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. Friday.

Investigators say they have arrested Nicholas Morinello of Niagara Falls and charged him with sexual assault, sexual interference and break and enter to commit.

According to the Criminal Code of Canada, a person can be charged with sexual interference if alleged sex crimes were committed against a person under the age of 16.

Officers responded to reports of a break in the area of Wall and Four Mile Creek roads at around 11:20 p.m. on Dec. 19.

READ MORE: Niagara police investigating after break and enter, girl sexually assaulted

Detectives allege that a girl under the age of 15 had been sexually assaulted following the break-in.

Niagara police say Morinello is being held in custody ahead of his bail hearing on Tuesday.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service’s Sexual Assault Unit at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009519.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information that leads to an arrest.

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