High-risk violent sex offender seen in Smiths Falls, police warn

Smiths Falls police are warning the public that a convicted high-risk violent sex offender has recently been seen in the community and is no longer subject to release conditions.

Police say Aaron Gilpin (pictured above) has been observed in parks and around the gazebo area in Smiths Falls and has also been trespassed from a local Tim Hortons.

In a public advisory issued under Ontario’s Community Safety and Policing Act on Thursday, July 23, police say Gilpin has been deemed to be at an elevated risk of re-offending.

Police note that while he poses a safety risk to the public, he retains the rights guaranteed under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

According to police, Gilpin has an extensive criminal record dating back to the early 2000s, including convictions for what police describe as “brutal” child sexual assault, assault, weapons offences, disarming a police officer, break and enter and theft.

His most recent sentence ended in 2025, according to the notice.

The advisory was issued after officers responded to a suspicious person call in the gazebo area beside town hall. While no criminal offences were reported, police say the incident raised concerns.

Under Ontario Regulation 412/23 of the Community Safety and Policing Act, a police chief may disclose personal information if they reasonably believe an individual poses a significant risk to others and the disclosure is necessary to reduce that risk.

Police ask anyone who sees or has information about Gilpin to contact the Smiths Falls Police Service at 613-283-0357.

Members of the public are urged not to approach him. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).