Ottawa man accused of taking creepshots of women in Bells Corners, Kanata, Britannia areas

A police vehicle sits outside the Ottawa Police headquarters on Elgin St. in this undated photo. (CTV News Ottawa)

The Ottawa Police Service says a 46-year-old man who was arrested late last year in connection with a reported harassment campaign involving posters in Bells Corners is now facing new charges.

Several posters were put up on light posts and community mailboxes in the area of Moodie Drive and Tyrell Place last summer. While police did not identify what was on the posters, they said they were targeting a specific woman in the community.

John Violette was charged with criminal harassment by repeated communication and criminal harassment by threatening conduct in December 2025.

On Wednesday, Ottawa police announced 13 new charges against Violette following additional investigation.

Police allege Violette took photos and videos of women’s buttocks in public places, including malls, beaches, public transit, and restaurants. He was known to frequent the Bells Corners, Kanata, and Britannia areas, police said.

Violette is also alleged to have distributed some of the images to someone in the Waterloo area, which led to Waterloo Regional Police charging a 39-year-old man.

Violette is now facing new charges of criminal harassment, voyeurism, distribution of voyeuristic materials, and four offences related to child sexual abuse and exploitation materials (CSAEM).

The charges have not been proven in court.

Ottawa police say anyone with information is asked to contact the West Criminal Investigations Section at 613-236-1222, extension 2666.

Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca.