Restaurant in Whitby, Ontario closes in wake of sexual assault charges

Published May 31, 2024 at 11:09 am

Whitby gourmet restaurant Chatterpaul’s is set to close after 16 years following sexual assault charges against the owner.

Restaurateur and Chef James Chatterpaul, 55, was first investigated for an alleged sexual assault when a 35-year-old victim came forward in January 2023. She had previously worked at Chatterpaul’s and accused her former boss of inappropriate touching.

Following the initial arrest, four more victims came forward with allegations of their own. Later, another six reported similar incidents. The allegations stem from 2002 to 2018. In total, Chatterpaul faces nine counts of sexual assault and four counts of sexual exploitation.

Chatterpaul opened his restaurant at 3500 Brock St N. 17 years ago. The fine-dining restaurant, known for its menu featuring everything from beef tenderloin and shrimp, jerk chicken, and cranberry-glazed duck breast to Coco’s crab cakes and baked brie, opened in north Whitby in 2008.

The restaurant proved a great success and won multiple awards over the years, but on May 30, Chatterpaul’s announced that it would be closing.

“It has been our team’s pleasure to provide great food and a wonderful dining experience for the last 16 years,” the management team wrote, “We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all of our loyal customers we have had the pleasure of meeting and celebrating with.”

“Stay tuned for news about new ownership and management.”

Social media response to the closing was mostly centred on why it took so long while Durham Police posted that they want to “ensure there are no further victims.” Police are encouraging anyone with new information to contact the Central West Criminal Investigation Bureau at (905) 579-1520, ext. 1877 or 3725.

INdurham's Editorial Standards and Policies