Six-year sex assault investigation leads to charges for Oshawa man

A suspect has been charged after a six-year investigation into a sexual assault in Whitby.

Back in November 2018, the victim was leaving the Tap and Tankard, a downtown Whitby bar, in the early morning hours. According to Durham Police, while she searched for a car she hired from a ride-sharing app, a car approached her and offered her a lift.

The driver took the woman to an empty parking lot and sexually assaulted her. He later dropped her off near a Courtice convenience store. The victim went straight to the Oshawa police station to report her assault. Police launched an investigation but it soon went cold for several years.

In November 2024, investigators received new information linking an Oshawa man to the case. Investigators came to suspect this man of being the driver who picked up the victim six years earlier.

They arrested Sopan Pusparajah, 32 of Oshawa, on Nov. 14 on a sexual assault charge. He remains in custody pending a bail hearing. Police have released his mugshot as they believe there may be further victims.

There is no statute of limitation on sexual assault so victims can come forward even years or decades after the assault. Those unable or unwilling to come forward to police can reach out to Victim Services of Durham Region, which offers many supports.

Anyone with information can call police at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5312 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).