The Winnipeg Police Service is informing the public of a convicted sex offender who was recently released from an Alberta prison and is expected to live in Winnipeg. James Joseph O’Kane, 35, was released from the Bowden Institution on Monday following convictions for sexual assault causing bodily harm, forcible confinement, uttering threats and failure to comply with a release order. According to police, these convictions were in relation to an incident in October 2016 that saw O’Kane attack a female stranger, drag her down an alley and sexually assault her. Police said O’Kane also choked the victim and threatened to kill her while holding a knife. Officers note the attack involved some planning as O’Kane had interacted with and watched the victim before arming himself with a knife and assaulting her. Officers also said that substance use is implicated in these offences. O’Kane was sentenced on May 31, 2021, to five years and 322 days. Police note he had spent 408 days in presentence custody. Upon his release, O’Kane is subject to parole conditions and a lifetime weapons prohibition. According to police, O’Kane has taken part in some treatment but is still considered high-risk to re-offend in a sexual manner against women. Officers emphasized that they are providing this information so the public can take appropriate steps to protect themselves. Any form of vigilante activity or unreasonable conduct won’t be tolerated. Anyone with information on O’Kane is asked to call the Manitoba Integrated High Risk Sex Offender Unit at 431-489-8056. You can also call the Winnipeg Police Service, your local RCMP detachment or Crime Stoppers.
