An Oshawa man is facing serious criminal charges after a six-month investigation revealed an au pair was allegedly drugged and sexually abused while living at the suspect’s home to provide child care for his family.
Derek Stephen Bellamy, 38, was taken into custody on Wednesday by investigators with the Durham Regional Police Special Victims Unit and now faces multiple charges including sexual assault, administering a noxious substance, voyeurism, and possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation materials.
According to investigators, the victim had connected with an Oshawa couple through a Facebook au pair group and travelled to Canada last December to work informally as a nanny. She lived with the suspect and his spouse at their Oshawa residence in exchange for providing child care for their several children, a common informal arrangement that police say left the victim particularly vulnerable.
The investigation revealed that on December 12, the suspect allegedly gave the victim ice cream containing a substance. Shortly after consuming it, she reported feeling incoherent and eventually lost consciousness with no recollection of the evening’s events. The victim sought medical attention at a local hospital, and toxicology testing later confirmed that a noxious drug had been present in her system.
In early 2026, Durham Regional Police executed a search warrant at the suspect’s Oshawa residence. Officers allege that several electronic devices were located and seized during the search, along with the same drug believed to have been used in the offence.
Police further allege that evidence of child sexual abuse and exploitation materials was discovered on the seized electronic devices during the course of their investigation, significantly expanding the scope of the case.
The charges against Bellamy are extensive and serious. He faces one count of sexual assault, one count of administering a noxious substance, five counts of voyeurism, five counts of possession of a recording obtained by voyeurism, and two counts of possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material.
Bellamy was held for a bail hearing following his arrest on Wednesday.
Investigators Concerned About Additional Victims
Durham Regional Police have expressed concerns that there may be additional victims connected to this case, given the nature of the charges and the suspect’s access to child care arrangements over an extended period.
Investigators are urging anyone with information about this incident or similar situations to come forward and speak with police. Detective Dunbar of the Special Victims Unit can be reached directly at 1-888-579-1520, extension 5344.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest in the case.
Safety Reminders for Durham Families
This disturbing case serves as a stark reminder for families across Durham Region who hire caregivers through informal online channels. Police recommend conducting thorough background checks, verifying references carefully, and establishing formal written employment agreements when bringing child care providers into your home, particularly those arranged through social media platforms like Facebook.
Anyone who has experienced similar situations or has concerns about their safety is encouraged to contact Durham Regional Police immediately.
