The Winnipeg Police Service and the Manitoba Integrated High Risk Sex Offender Unit have issued a community notification after the release of a man they describe as a high-risk sex offender who will be living in a supervised residence in Winnipeg.
Police identified the man as Justin David Levasseur, 36, and warned that women in particular may be at increased risk of sexual violence. Authorities say Levasseur was released from federal custody after serving a sentence and remains subject to supervision.
Description and aliases
In its public notice, police provided a physical description and several aliases associated with Levasseur. They said he is roughly five feet nine inches tall and weighs about 236 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. He is known to use multiple first names, including Jay, Norman, "J" and "J Star."
Police also detailed several identifying tattoos:
- Letter "J" on the neck
- Letters "JL" on his left hand
- "Jay" on both shoulders
- Buffalo skull and headdress on the left forearm
- His surname tattooed on the left forearm
Criminal history and risk
According to the notice, Levasseur has a lengthy criminal record and was convicted in November 2021 of offences that led to a six‑year federal sentence. Police said the convictions include sexual assault and forcible confinement stemming from an encounter with a woman he met online.
Police listed a broader set of convictions and charges associated with Levasseur's record, including:
| Offence | Notes |
|---|---|
| Sexual assault | Included in convictions |
| Forcible confinement | Included in convictions |
| Break and enter to commit sexual assault | Listed by police |
| Attempted strangulation / choking | Described as overcoming resistance |
| Assault causing bodily harm | Included among convictions |
| Multiple counts of assault | Police noted several counts |
| Resisting or obstructing peace officers and escape | Includes escape from custody and obstruction |
| Uttering threats | Included in record |
| Numerous breaches | Breaches of probation, recognizance and court orders |
Police said Levasseur had previously been the subject of public warnings, including notifications issued in 2018 and twice in 2019.
"Despite having participated in some treatment programming, the 36‑year‑old is still considered a high‑risk offender," the police notice states.
What police are advising
The community notification urges increased vigilance and awareness, particularly among women who police say are at heightened risk. The notice also makes clear Levasseur will live in a supervised setting within Winnipeg as part of his release conditions.
- Be aware of surroundings and report concerning behaviour to police.
- Contact the Winnipeg Police Service if you have information about Levasseur's whereabouts or observe behaviour that raises safety concerns.
- Reach out to victim services or local support organisations if you believe you have been affected by similar offences.
Police released distinguishing details to help the public identify Levasseur and to encourage community reporting should he breach any conditions or reoffend. The release follows his completion of a six‑year sentence handed down in late 2021.
Anyone with information related to Levasseur is being asked to contact the Winnipeg Police Service. For people who may be affected by this news, local victim support programmes and community agencies can provide resources and assistance.
