Sexual Exploitation – Arrest: R24-44998

Released: December 30, 2024 at 11:05 a.m.

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In September 2024, the Winnipeg Police Service’s Counter Exploitation Unit entered into a sexual exploitation investigation after receiving a report of an adult male believed to be involved in a sexual assault of a youth female.

The investigation revealed that in December of 2023, the female youth survivor met the male suspect over social media. During the following months, the survivor continued to communicate and met with the suspect on multiple occasions where she was sexually assaulted.

The Counter Exploitation Unit continued its investigation and on December 22, arrested the suspect without incident, after he turned himself in at Winnipeg Police Headquarters.

Michele BUTTARI, 49, of Winnipeg has been charged with the following:

  • Sexual Assault
  • Sexual Interference
  • Obtaining Sexual Services from a Person Under 18 years of age
  • Luring a Person Under 16 years of age by Means of Telecommunication

BUTTARI was detained in custody.

The Winnipeg Police Service is committed to providing support to survivors of sexual assault. Anyone wishing to speak to an investigator can call 204-986-3464 or make a report online at: https://www.cybertip.ca

Resources include WPS Victim Services at 204-986-6350 and the Klinic Sexual Assault Crisis Line at 204-786-8631.

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