Police warn of high-risk sex offender living in Smiths Falls

Smiths Falls Police are alerting the public of a high risk sex offender residing in Smiths Falls who as of recently is no longer on parole.

“Although Gary Devitt does present a safety risk to the public, his rights are guaranteed under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms Act,” police say in a Wednesday, April 9 media release. As he is no longer on parole, Devitt is considered to be at an “elevated risk to re-offend.”

In 1997, Devitt, who is now 69, was convicted in a violent and horrific sexual assault investigation that resulted in a seven-year sentence for aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault cause bodily harm, forcible confinement, possession of a weapon, break and enter and uttering threats.

He was released from custody and later in 2015 was convicted for failing to comply with an order, counselling to commit murder and sexual assault causing bodily harm to another victim outside of Smiths Falls. He was sentenced to custody and placed on parole.

Gary Devitt is no longer on parole but is still monitored by the Smiths Falls Police Service. Police say that a recent ongoing trespassing investigation has led them to believe that there is a high risk for Devitt to re-offend.

“The Chief of Police has the authority under Ontario Regulation 412/23 of the Community Safety and Policing Act of Ontario if they reasonably believe that the individual poses a significant risk to other persons or property and the disclosure of the personal information is necessary to reduce the risk as described,” police explain.

If any incidents arise regarding Gary Devitt, please contact the Smiths Falls Police Service immediately.