Michael Mark Haaima, 37, was arrested in April on charges that were only announced by police on Monday. One victim, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, told CBC News that Haaima was a well-known member of the tech industry. “It makes it more and more confusing,” he said via text. “A prominent, influential Kingston figure. It’s scary stuff.” According to an article published in ReFINEd Kingston Magazine, Haaima started a one-person web design company called Ferus Media in 2011 before teaming up with others to officially launch Aviio Digital in early 2018. The latter company, which operated out of downtown Kingston, worked in web design, e-commerce, search engine optimization, brand development and digital marketing, according to the article. Before starting the business himself, Haaima spent several years working for Kingston design firms, the article also said.
The victim does “whatever I can to get over it”
While court records obtained by the CBC specifically list 10 victims in Haaima’s case, a total of 18 victims have been identified, with the potential for more to come forward, according to the OPP. The alleged offenses involve at least two juvenile victims, according to court records. 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.
While police say 76 charges have been laid, court records list only 60 offenses. CBC News has reached out to the OPP, Kingston police and the courthouse for clarification. Another victim, who also cannot be named due to a publication ban, said via text message that it had been a “tough ride” since making her police report. “I’m doing everything I can to get over it,” he said. The investigation into Haaima began in January 2022 after Kingston Police received complaints that someone was allegedly using social media to lure victims. Haaima was photographed with colleagues for an article in early 2018 about another company he was involved in, Aviio Digital, in early 2018. (ReFINEd Kingston Magazine) Haaima’s bail was denied in early May, but the Ontario Superior Court of Justice confirmed Tuesday that Haaima has applied for a review of whether he should be released from custody. No date has yet been set for the hearing. On Tuesday afternoon, Haaima made his first appearance in provincial court since the charges were made public. His next appearance in provincial court is scheduled for July 19.
