Peel police arrest man in historical sexual assault investigations

Peel police have arrested and charged a Mississauga man in connection with two historical sexual assault investigations from 2004 and 2005.

Justin Foley, 43, is accused of a slew of offences, according to a police news release. He appeared briefly in a Brampton court on Tuesday.

In July 2004, a man sexually assaulted a 20-year-old womanin Mississauga near McLaughlin Road and Ceremonial Drive, the release said. The incident was reported to police at the time.

The woman was waiting for a bus when the man approached her, threatened her with a firearmand "ordered her to a nearby wooded area," according to aPeel police news release from June 2005.

Police said the same man allegedly sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl in February 2005 in Brampton, near Balmoral Drive and Bramalea Road.

The girl was walking along a pathway behind a church when she was approached by a man who brandished a firearm and pulled her behind a tree, according to the 2005 release. She also reported the incident to police at the time.

Foley was arrested on Sept. 16after an "extensive investigation" known as "project shadow," Tuesday's release said.

He wascharged with two counts of sexual assault with a weapon, as well as two counts each of kidnapping, disguise with intent and using an imitation firearm in the commission of an offence.

Foley also faces charges of uttering threats and overcoming resistance to the commission of an offence.

Court appearance

During his court appearance, Foley wore awhite t-shirt with his hands cuffed while in the prisoner's box. Hespoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.

The judge ordered a publication ban on the identity of any alleged victims and witnesses. Foley was also ordered not to have any contact with a woman who was named in court.

Foley remains in custody, and isscheduled for a bail hearing on Friday morning.

Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers.