Hamilton

As Niagara Falls man charged for historic sexual assaults, police look for more victims

At the time of his arrest Thursday, the 52-year-old man was working a school bus driver and involved in the martial arts community.

Police say 2 victims under the age of 16 were sexually assaulted between 1996 and 2006

man in red shirt smiling
Niagara Regional Police Service says Todd Williston, 52, was arrested and charged in relation to historic sexual assaults. (Niagara Regional Police Service)

A school bus driver and karate instructor in Niagara Falls faces multiple charges after police allege he sexually assaulted two boys. 

Todd Williston, 52, was arrested and charged on Dec. 19 with sexual assault of victims under 14-years-old and 16-years-old between 1996 and 2016, said Niagara police in a media release. 

He is also charged with two counts of sexual interference, three counts of invitation to sexual touching and one count each of sexual assault, sexual exploitation and counselling to make and distribute child pornography but that wasn't committed, police said. 

"Detectives have reason to suspect there may be more victims," said police.

man with no shirt on and a photo of a close up image of a tattoo
Todd Williston and his tattoo are shown in a historic photo. Police say there could be more victims. (Niagara Regional Police Service)

At the time of his arrest, Williston was living in Niagara Falls and working for the city as a school bus driver, police said. He was also involved in the martial arts community as an instructor. 

The investigation began in November and remains ongoing, said police. Detectives with the sexual assault and child abuse units are leading the case. 

Anyone who may have been a victim or with information is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Samantha Beattie is a reporter for CBC Hamilton. She has also worked for CBC Toronto and as a Senior Reporter at HuffPost Canada. Before that, she dived into local politics as a Toronto Star reporter covering city hall.