Youth worker charged with sexual exploitation in Hamilton

A Hamilton-area youth worker has been arrested on sexual exploitation charges.

Hamilton Police recently launched an investigation into the alleged sexual assault of a young person following a complaint from the victim. According to investigators, the victim worked with the suspect who was in a position of authority.

Police did not specify they time frame of the allegations or the workplace it allegedly occurred.

Scott Shewfelt of Dunnville was arrested on Sept. 11. He is charged with sexual assault and sexual exploitation. He’s set to appear in court on Oct. 10.

The investigation has confirmed Shewfelt served as a youth worker. Police believe there may be other victims who have not come forward. They have encouraged anyone with allegations of their own to speak with investigators.

“Hamilton Police want all survivors of sexual violence to know that we believe them and we will respect their choice when and how they report an incident,” they said.

They “would like to encourage anyone who believes that they may have been a victim of sexual violence, to come forward and report the incident to police. There is no statute of limitations for sexual offences, and offenders can be prosecuted well after the date of the offence.”

Hamilton Police has a Sexual Assault Unit non-emergency line at 905-540-5553 for survivors to come forward. Past incidents can also be reported online.

Investigators “understand that while sexual assaults often cause long-lasting trauma, survivors may have difficulty speaking about the incidents with friends, family members, or police officers. If someone is not ready to report but is seeking support, please contact Hamilton Police Victim Services at 905-546-4904.”