A former City of Vaughan employee is facing charges after he allegedly confined two minors inside a room at a community centre and sexually assaulted one of them.
On April 30, 2026, the victims were at a community centre in the area of Dufferin Street and Clark Avenue when they were approached by an employee. The victims believed they were in trouble for making noise and needed to be spoken to in private, police say.
The victims were then taken to a room and forcibly confined. After some time, the victims attempted to exit the room. Police say that when the victims attempted to exit, one of them was sexually assaulted.
Police said neither victim was physically injured.
On May 24, police arrested and charged 65-year-old Charles Manickam, of Vaughan with two counts of sexual confinement, sexual assault, and sexual interference in connection with the incident.
Police said he was no longer employed by the City of Vaughan at the time of his arrest.
Police also believe there may be additional victims and anyone with information is being asked contact investigators.
In a statement to CTV News, the City of Vaughan said “they take the charges against a former employee extremely seriously,” and that “they are fully co-operating with York Regional Police and remain committed to ensuring the safety and well‑being of all residents."
A spokesperson said officials took “immediate action” after becoming aware of the allegations, removing the individual from the workplace and launching an internal investigation that resulted in their employment with the City ending.
Officials also said the City of Vaughan notified York Regional Police and is continuing to support the investigation, as well as providing support to the families that were impacted.
“As this is an active police investigation and now before the courts, we cannot comment further on the specifics.”
