Michael Mark Haaima, 37, was arrested in April. Police announced the charges against him on Monday. At least two victims were minors at the time of the offenses, according to court records. A total of 18 alleged victims have been identified by police. Haaima’s bail was denied in early May, but the Ontario Superior Court of Justice confirmed Tuesday that Haaima has applied for a bail/detention review. No date has yet been set for the hearing. Earlier Tuesday, Haaima made his first appearance in provincial court since the charges were announced. He appeared via video link from Quinte Detention Center in Napanee, Ont., wearing an orange jumpsuit and medical mask. He kept his hands folded behind his back as he addressed Justice of the Peace HW Chiang as “sir”. His next appearance in provincial court is scheduled for July 19.
Police said of an alleged lure on social media
The charges against Haaima include 18 counts of sexual assault, five counts of unlawfully accessing child pornography and four counts of coercion, as well as (but not limited to):
Sexual assault by strangulation. Coercion to commit cruelty. Supply of person under 18 years of age. Trafficking in persons under the age of 18. Making threats to cause death or bodily harm. Temptation to create child pornography. Creating child pornography. Blackmail. Criminal harassment. Overcoming resistance by choking. Voyeurism.
Victims include both adults and youth, according to the OPP. The investigation began in January 2022 after Kingston police received complaints that someone was allegedly using social media to lure victims, according to the OPP. Ten victims were initially identified and “are now in a safe location,” Monday’s press release said. Investigators found more alleged victims, resulting in more charges being filed involving a total of 18 people. Police believe there may be more victims and their investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call the OPP non-emergency number at 1-888-310-1122 or local police.
