Nunavik police seek witnesses, believe there are more victims in sex assault case

Nunavik police believe there may be more victims involved in the case of a man facing four sexual assault charges in Kuujjuaraapik, going back more than five years.

On July 19, the Nunavik Police Service charged Patrick Menarick, 38, with sexual assault, threatening to cause death or bodily harm, and resisting a peace officer executing their duties, according to the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions office. The next day, he was also charged with assaulting a peace officer.

Menarick faces a dozen other outstanding charges.

In January 2023, he was charged with assault causing bodily harm, sexual assault causing bodily harm and two counts of assault. In December 2022, he was charged with assault and sexual assault causing bodily harm. And in October 2022, he was charged with assault, assault with a weapon, unlawful confinement and failure to comply with a court release order.

On Friday, Nunavik Police Service Const. Jean-Phillippe Belanger said investigators believe there may be additional victims of sex assaults allegedly committed by Menarick.

“The Kuujjuaraapik detachment is also looking for witnesses to any incidents of sexual misconduct involving the accused,” Belanger said in an email to Nunatsiaq News, adding Menarick is currently detained in Amos, Que., awaiting trial.

Belanger said anyone who has been a victim or a witness of any sexual misconduct allegedly committed by Menarick should contact the Kuujjuraapik police detachment at 819-929-9111 or visit their local police station.

Belanger said information that can be released regarding this case is limited “to avoid jeopardizing any ongoing investigations.”