Ontario priest charged in ‘historical’ sexual assault involving minor

Crime analyst Steve Ryan discusses the charges laid against Michelle Shafik, who is a Coptic Church priest from East Gwillimbury.

A 47-year-old Coptic Church priest from East Gwillimbury, Ont., has been charged in connection with what police describe as a “historical sexual assault” of a minor.

In a news release, York Regional police say its Special Victims Unit launched an investigation in November 2025 after a victim reported being sexually assaulted on two occasions between 1996 and 1999, when they were under the age of 16.

Police allege the assaults occurred during that period and on Feb. 26, officers arrested 47-year-old Michelle (aka Michael) Shafik, of East Gwillimbury, Ont.

Shafik is facing two charges, including sexual assault and sexual interference.

In an interview with CP24, authorities say the alleged incidents occurred prior to the accused’s role in the church.

“At the time of these sexual assaults, he was not a priest,” Const. James Dickson said.

Dickson said investigators are highlighting the accused’s current role because he is now in a position of authority and there are concerns that there could be additional victims.

“We are highlighting the fact that he is now a priest, as he’s become a person that’s in a position of authority, but at the time of these sexual assaults, he was not a priest. Again, we’re talking more than 25 years ago... but it is something that we want to make sure the public is aware of,” Dickson said.

Police said they are not identifying any specific churches connected to the accused.

“We’re not naming any churches that this person has been involved in, as we are not alleging that sex assault had occurred at the church or directly in relation to it, but given his new position of authority, we want to make sure that everyone that attends any churches, anyone that knows him, is aware,” Dickson said.

Investigators believe there may be additional victims and are encouraging anyone with information to come forward.

“We understand a lot of time (may have passed) with sexual assaults (and) people are apprehensive about reporting it, particularly children who might feel as though they’ve done something wrong. But our investigators with our Special Victims Unit are here to listen. They want to talk to you,” Dickson said.