Whitby restaurant owner facing more charges for sexual assault and exploitation

Six more people have come forward with sexual assault allegations against James Chatterpaul, owner of popular Whitby restaurant Chatterpaul’s.

In January, Durham Regional Police began investigating an allegation that Chatterpaul had touched someone inappropriately in the workplace, resulting in one charge of sexual assault.

“From January to March 2023 four victims came forward with allegations of a sexual nature against Chatterpaul resulting in seven charges of sexual assault,” said police.

Since then, an additional six people have brought fourth sexual assault allegations against Chatterpaul for incidents dating as far back as 2002 and as recently as 2018.

Police say some of the victims were part of high school and college co-op programs that completed their program at Durham restaurants where Chatterpaul (who sometimes refers to himself as “Chef Chad” or “Chad”) was employed.

55-year-old James Chatterpaul of Whitby is currently charged with nine counts of sexual assault and four counts of sexual exploitation.

He was released on an undertaking.

“Investigators want to ensure there are no further victims,” said police, who are encouraging anyone with further information to contact the Central West Criminal Investigation Bureau at 905-579-1520, ext. 1877 or 3725.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or at durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca.

Chatterpaul’s restaurant is located at 3500 Brock St N.