Halifax police are actively investigating a historical sexual assault case, and they are reaching out to the community in hopes of identifying additional victims. This inquiry originates from a statement made by a woman in October 2022, disclosing that she was sexually assaulted in 2010 in both Halifax and Yarmouth. At the time of the crime, the victim was a youth.

Following the report, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) arrested Bruce Douglas Hatfield, aged 60, who has since been charged with sexual assault. A trial concluded in December 2025 when Hatfield was found guilty on both counts of sexual assault. Currently, he remains in custody and is set to return to court for sentencing in March 2026.

During the trial proceedings, witness testimonies indicated that Hatfield frequently traveled between Yarmouth and Halifax with other young women, which has raised concerns among investigators that there may be more victims who have yet to come forward.

In light of this ongoing investigation, the police are urging anyone who has experienced sexual assault — regardless of when the incident might have occurred — to reach out and report their experience. They emphasize that in Canada, there is no statute of limitations regarding sexual assault cases, empowering survivors to seek justice at any time.