Victoria police are warning the public after a high-risk sex offender was released into the community Friday afternoon.
Cameron Eugene Ratelle is a court-designated dangerous offender with a history of violent sexual offences against young women, according to a public notice issued by the department. Ratelle was convicted of sexual assault against a person under the age of 18. He has completed his sentence and will be living in Victoria, police said.
Ratelle, who targets women between the ages of 16-25, is believed to pose a high risk to re-offend against women.
Ratelle is described as a 41-year-old Black man standing five-feet-eight inches tall, weighing approximately 200 pounds with a heavy build. He has dark shaved hair, brown eyes and wears hearing aids.
He was released under several conditions including a ban on possessing or consuming alcohol, non-prescription drugs, or pornography or sexually explicit material. He cannot be in the presence of any female under the age of 18 without permission from a parole officer. He cannot access the internet or any electronic device with internet capabilities. He must immediately report any attempt to initiate a sexual or non-sexual relationship with females to his parole supervisor.
The Vancouver Police Department issued a warning about Ratelle living in the community in 2017. He was arrested days after his release for breaching conditions. The department put out a similar public notice in 2018.
Anyone who sees Ratelle breaching his conditions is asked not to approach him but immediately call 911. To report anonymously, call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
