Three teens charged after racist flyers posted at school as ‘revenge plan’ in Ajax

Three teenage boys have been identified and charged with putting racist words and offensive images on flyers and posting them around the Ajax area with the intent of seeking revenge on two girls.

On Wednesday (May. 10) police responded to the area of Rossland Rd W/ Ravenscroft Rd in Ajax after being alerted of offensive flyers that were hung in the area.

The flyers contained hateful images and an anti-Black slur, mention of “cleansing services.”

According to police, a total of five flyers were recovered— each of them including a contact phone number.

Upon further investigation, officers were able to determine that the phone numbers belonged to two girls, who were unaware their numbers were listed on the flyers.

An extensive investigation was launched by police which included reviewing surveillance video and speaking with witnesses.

Police say they were able to determine that three teenage boys were involved.

Investigators further uncovered that a 17-year-old boy had contact with both the victims prior, and it is believed as an act of revenge he created the flyers with their phone numbers in the hopes the content would cause them to receive a negative response from the community.

Durham Regional Police Service are urging anyone who may have a copy of the flyer to not distribute it.

“Despite the intent to cause distress to the female victims, the flyers contain hateful messages that have and will continue to cause distress to our community,” DRPS said.

Officers mentioned that the offence was (at first) investigated as a public incitement of hatred, however after reviewing the evidence including statements and speaking with those involved it was concluded that it was not the intended purpose.

A 15-year-old, 17-year-old, and 18-year-old— all from Ajax have been charged with five counts of  harassment by means of repeated telecommunications.

Both the 15 and 17- year-old’s identities are being made public as they are protected under the Youth Justice Criminal Act.

Police say the 18-year-old’s identity is also being withheld at this time to protect the identity of one of the victims.

The investigation is ongoing and police say the crown attorney’s office will be consulted regarding the aggravating factors of this case.

Anyone with new information about this incident is asked to contact D/Cst. Suthers of the West Division Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-579-1520 ext. 2542.