The Manitoba Integrated High Risk Sex Offender Unit (MIHRSOU), is comprised of officers from the Winnipeg Police Service and the RCMP. They work closely with Parole Officers and Probation Services to monitor High-Risk Sex Offenders in Manitoba. MIHRSOU ensures offender’s compliance of court orders and provides enforcement for related offences.
On April 7, 2025, MIHRSOU with the assistance of the WPS Tactical Support Team, K9 Unit, East District General Patrol and RCMP members, attended to a hotel in the Niakawa neighbourhood and arrested a 42-year-old male, Matthew Barry STOESZ, who had outstanding warrants.
Police observed STOESZ in the hotel lobby with a large breed dog. He ran out of the lobby with his dog and entered a suite. Despite being advised of his arrest, he attempted to secure the door shut. Once police accessed the room he attempted to grab a knife in his waistband. The dog then lunged at one of the officers attempting to bite them.
Less-lethal munitions were deployed by the Tactical Support Team and STOESZ was taken into custody. The dog was secured and safely removed by Animal Services and subsequently received medical attention.
STOESZ was transported to hospital, assessed and medically cleared.
He was charged with the following offences:
- Sexual Interference, Breach of Prohibition Order (Gimli, from July 2023)
- Failing to Comply with Order or Obligation (Winnipeg, from Nov. 2024)
- Assault a Peace Officer with a Weapon
- Possession of a Weapon
- Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Prohibited Device or Ammunition
- Resist Peace Officer
He was detained in custody.
MIHRSOU continued its investigation, uncovering additional offences that occurred between 2022 and 2025 involving an adult female victim and abuse to dogs and cats in his possession.
On April 29, MIHRSOU attended to Headingley Correctional Centre and STOESZ was charged with the following 13 new offences:
- Sexual Assault
- Forcible Confinement
- Assault
- Assault Cause Bodily Harm
- Assault by Choking, Suffocating or Strangling
- Criminal Harassment
- Harassing Communications
- Identity Fraud - Intent to Gain Advantage
- Fraud Over $5,000
- Theft Over $5,000
- Causing Unnecessary Pain/Suffering to Animals x 2
- Fail to Comply with Prohibition Regarding Children
He remains in custody.
The Winnipeg Police Service is committed to providing support to survivors of sexual assault. Resources include WPS Victim Services at 204-986-6350 and the Klinic Sexual Assault Crisis Line at 204-786-8631or anonymously at Crime Stoppers 204-786-TIPS or winnipegcrimestoppers.org