The Manitoba Integrated High Risk Sex Offender Unit (MIHRSOU) is a joint forces unit of the Winnipeg Police Service and the RCMP. MIHRSOU today provides information regarding James Joseph O’KANE, 35 years of age, a convicted sex offender who is considered high risk to re-offend in a sexual manner against adult females.
O’KANE was released on statutory release from the Bowden Institution, Alberta on August 24, 2026, in relation to convictions for Sexual Assault Cause Bodily Harm, Forcible Confinement, Uttering Threats and Fail to Comply with Release Order. On May 31, 2021, O’KANE received a sentence of 5 years, 322 days (408 days presentence custody). A lifetime weapons prohibition was also imposed.
In October 2016, O’KANE had attacked a female stranger, dragged her down an alley, sexually assaulted, choked and threated to kill the victim while holding a knife. There was some planning of the attack as O’KANE had a very brief interaction with the victim and watched her before arming himself with a knife and attacking her. He was convicted of those offences on May 31, 2021. O’KANE was also convicted for breaching the conditions of his release order by failing to comply with the curfew condition.
Upon statutory release, O’KANE will be subject to conditions of parole as imposed by the Parole Board of Canada, and a lifetime weapons prohibition.
He is expected to take up residence in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Although O’KANE participated in some treatment programming he is considered high risk to re-offend in a sexual manner. Adult females are at risk of sexual violence.
This information is provided to enable members of the public to take suitable measures to protect themselves. Any form of vigilante activity or other unreasonable conduct directed at Mr. O’KANE will not be tolerated.
- DOB: June 21, 1991
- Height: 183 cm (6’)
- Weight: 121 kg (266 lbs)
- Hair: Brown
- Eyes: Brown
- Race: Indigenous
- Tattoos/markings: Right forearm “LIFE”
Background information:
James Joseph O’KANE is a 35-year-old male who was convicted of Sexual Assault Cause Bodily Harm, Forcible Confinement, Uttering Threats and Fail to Comply with Release Order. On May 31, 2021, O’KANE received a sentence of 5 years, 322 days (408 days pre-sentence custody).
Substance use is implicated in O’KANE’S offences.
O’KANE is expected to take up residence in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
If you have information about Mr. O’KANE, please call the Manitoba Integrated High Risk Sex Offender Unit at (431) 489-8056. You may also contact the Winnipeg Police Service at (204) 986-6222, your local RCMP Detachment, or Manitoba Crime Stoppers at (204) 786-8477 or toll free at 1-800-222-8477. For media inquiries, please contact the Winnipeg Police Service Public Information Officer at (204) 986-3061.