Palmerston man faces 10 additional sexual assault charges

Police say there may be more victims and are asking anyone with information to contact the OPP or CrimeStoppers

PALMERSTON – A Palmerston man charged earlier this year with sexual assault now faces an additional 10 charges and police say there could be additional victims.

On Jan. 29 Wellington County OPP announced they had made an arrest in an investigation, started last November, into sexual assaults and other sex-related offences in Wellington North between 2003 and 2015.

“The victims and the accused were known to each other,” police stated at the time.

Michael Bradley Hurst, 43, of Palmerston, was charged with six counts of sexual assault and four counts of committing an indecent act.

On May 28 the OPP announced 10 additional sexual assault charges against Hurst, noting the incidents had occurred in multiple jurisdictions between 2003 and 2020.

Hurst is to appear in Guelph court at a later date.

“Investigators believe that there may be additional victims and any person with information regarding this ongoing investigation is asked to contact the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122,” police stated in the May 28 release.

To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a tip on-line at www.csgw.tips.

Police are reminding victims of sexual assault that they are not alone. Victim Services of Wellington County can be reached at 519-824-1212.

“As well, a toll-free call can be placed to the Assaulted Women’s Helpline www.awhl.org/home at 1-866-863-0511,” police stated.

“Or male survivors of sexual assault at 1-866-887-0015 where your information will remain anonymous and confidential.

“If you are in an immediate crisis, dial 9-1-1.”