High risk sex offender released from prison, expected to live in Winnipeg

Supplied image of Charles Henry Desjarlais. (Winnipeg Police Service)

The Winnipeg Police Service is informing the public that a convicted sex offender has been released from prison and is expected to live in Winnipeg.

Charles (Charlie) Henry Desjarlais, 62, was released from Stony Mountain Institution on Thursday after serving a portion of his sentence for a sexual assault with a weapon conviction.

Police note Desjarlais has a history of violent offences, including convictions of rape, armed robbery, sexual interference, and sexual assault.

He was convicted in March of 2019 of sexual assault with a weapon and designated a long-term offender. He received a 10-year sentence, as well as a long-term supervision order until November 2039.

Upon his release from prison, Desjarlais is expected to live in Winnipeg. Though he has completed some sexual offender treatment in the past, police say he is considered high-risk to reoffend in a sexually violent manner against female adults and children.

Officers provided information so members of the public can take appropriate measures to protect themselves; however, any form of vigilante activity or unreasonable conduct against Desjarlais won’t be tolerated, police warned.

Anyone with information about Desjarlais is asked to call the Manitoba Integrated High Risk Sex Offender Unit at 431-489-8056. You can also contact the Winnipeg Police Service, your local RCMP detachment or Crime Stoppers.