A 63-year-old Pickering man is facing 22 charges after Durham Regional Police alleged two children were sexually assaulted on multiple occasions in Pickering and Toronto.
The Pickering sexual assault investigation began in July 2026 after members of the Durham Regional Police Service Special Victims Unit received information concerning two female children.
Police allege the accused was known to both victims’ families and attended their respective residences, where the children were inappropriately touched.
Investigators allege the incidents occurred on numerous occasions between November 2025 and July 2026.
Pickering man arrested in Ajax
Police say the suspect was located in Ajax during August and taken into custody without incident.
Faruk Dewan, 63, of Pickering, has been charged with 11 counts of sexual assault and 11 counts of sexual interference with a person under 16.
He was held for a bail hearing.
None of the allegations against Dewan have been proven in court.
Police concerned there could be more victims
Durham police have made a public appeal for information because investigators are concerned there may be additional victims.
Police say Dewan provides art lessons from a residence in Pickering.
That connection is a significant part of the public appeal, and investigators are asking anyone with information about the allegations or similar incidents to contact the Special Victims Unit.
Police have also released a photograph of the accused as part of the investigation.
No exact number of students who may have received art lessons from Dewan was provided, and police have not said that everyone who attended lessons was a victim.
Alleged incidents span Pickering and Toronto
The investigation involves alleged incidents in both Pickering and Toronto.
According to police, the accused knew the families of the two children and allegedly attended their homes.
Investigators say the alleged assaults took place repeatedly over approximately eight months, between November 2025 and July 2026.
Durham’s Special Victims Unit began investigating in July before the arrest took place in Ajax the following month.
Police have not publicly released information identifying the two children, and their identities are protected.
Investigators asking public for information
Anyone with information about the Pickering sexual assault investigation is being asked to contact D/Cst. Gomez of the Durham Regional Police Special Victims Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5391.
Anonymous information can also be submitted through Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Crime Stoppers says tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward when information assists an investigation.
Police are particularly seeking information that could help determine whether there are other people who may have had similar experiences involving the accused.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Dewan has been charged, but the laying of criminal charges does not establish guilt. The allegations against him must be tested through the court process and have not been proven in court.
