EAST GWILLIMBURY (CANADA)
Barrie Today [Barrie, ON, Canada]
March 4, 2026
By Barrie Today staff
Alleged victim reported being sexually assaulted on two occasions between 1996 and 1999, York Regional Police say
A Coptic Church priest from East Gwillimbury has been charged in connection with the historical sexual assault of a minor.
An alleged victim came forward to York Region Police last November to report they had been sexually assaulted on two occasions between 1996 and 1999.
At the time of the assault, the victim was under the age of 16, police stated in a news release.
Investigators have released the suspect’s photograph as they believe there may be more potential victims.
Michelle (aka Michael) Shafik, 47, has been charged with sexual assault and sexual interference.
None of the allegations have been tested in court.
A sexual assault includes any non-consensual contact of a sexual nature, police say.
York Regional Police encourages anyone who feels they may have been a victim of a sexual assault to come forward and report the incident. There is no statute of limitations for sexual offences and offenders can be prosecuted well after the date of the offence.
If you are not ready to report and are seeking support, contact York Region Victim Services or the Women’s Support Network. Additional resources and information can be found here.
Anyone with information is asked to call the York Regional Police Special Victims Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7071 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.