The Winnipeg Police Service’s Domestic Violence Unit continued an investigation regarding the online publication and distribution of sexual imagery of women without their consent.
Through their investigation, the Domestic Violence Unit identified 43-year-old David Alexander ZEGARAC and, in May 2022, arrested him for Publication of an Intimate Image Without Consent for a separate victim.
In early September, after a media release identifying the suspect was distributed, a second female victim identified herself in intimate images posted online without her consent. The victim also advised investigators that she was sixteen or seventeen when the suspect took intimate photos of her.
On October 1, 2022, investigators attended ZEGARAC’s residence in Winnipeg and placed him under arrest. During his subsequent detention, ZEGARAC became extremely uncooperative, which required the use of force by a Conducted Energy Weapon (Taser). An investigator sustained a minor upper-body injury for which he did not require medical attention.
ZEGARAC was charged with the following offences:
- Makes, Prints, Publishes or Possess for the Purpose of Publication any Child Pornography
- Possession of Child Pornography
- Luring a Child Under 18 Years of Age
- Imports, Distributes, Sells or Possess for the Purpose of Distribution or Sale any Child Pornography
- Publication of an Intimate Image Without Consent
- Resist Peace Officer
He was released on an Undertaking with Crown imposed conditions.
This investigation is continuing. Anyone with information to assist police or who wishes to speak to investigators is asked to call the Domestic Violence Unit at 204-986-2602. Other supportive resources include WPS Victim Services at 204-986-6350 or Klinic Sexual Assault Crisis Line at 204-786-8631.
As previously released:
Publish Sexual Images – Arrest: C16-14015
In April 2022, the Winnipeg Police Services’ Domestic Violence Unit (DVU) received a report about intimate images posted online without consent in 2015.
A subsequent investigation by DVU revealed a number of nude images of the reporting victim and other unknown women were posted online by the suspect.
Investigators believe the intimate images were posted without any of the women’s consent.
On May 14, 2022, DVU charged David Alexander ZEGARAC, 43, of Headingley, with the following offence:
- Publication of an Intimate Image Without Consent (from the April 2022 report).
He was released on an Undertaking with Crown imposed conditions.