High-risk non-citizen sex offender arrested again in Guelph as questions mount over CBSA
Medhani Yohans, labelled a high-risk offender and not a Canadian citizen, was arrested in downtown Guelph after an alleged probation breach. Authorities and residents say questions remain about federal action.
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By Torontoer Staff
Medhani Yohans, 36, described by police as a high-risk sex offender and a non-Canadian citizen, was arrested Monday afternoon in downtown Guelph hours after being released from custody. Police allege he breached conditions of his probation, including being at an address he was ordered to avoid.
Yohans appeared virtually in a Guelph court and was remanded in custody until a scheduled bail hearing on Wednesday. The arrest comes after a string of incidents and multiple public warnings from Guelph Police, and prompts renewed questions about why the Canada Border Services Agency has not pursued removal proceedings.
Arrest and current charges
Guelph Police say Yohans was taken into custody at about 2:35 p.m. in the downtown area after officers observed him allegedly breaching probation. One condition reportedly prohibited him from attending a specific address in the city. Details of the latest formal charges have not been released by police ahead of the bail hearing.
Now that he’s back in custody, it’s in the court’s hands ultimately what they decide to do in terms of whether to release him or not. But I think we’ve made it clear that we do believe he represents an active and ongoing risk to the community when he’s at large.
Guelph Police spokesperson Scott Tracey
Records of repeated incidents and warnings
Police and public notices show a history of arrests, alleged sexual assaults and repeated breaches of court orders. The sequence of incidents over recent years has prompted several community alerts from Guelph Police and a safety bulletin from the University of Guelph.
- 2018: Multiple arrests over one weekend for breaking into vehicles, attempting a dine-and-dash and exposing himself.
- January 2023: Arrested on allegations of sexual assaults involving two strangers, including a teenage international student, with incidents reported in public spaces.
- February–March 2025: Police warned the community that Yohans would be released after completing a sentence on March 1. He was rearrested on March 8 for allegedly failing to report as required, then released on March 9.
- March 10, 2025: University of Guelph issued a safety bulletin after Yohans was found sleeping on campus property and removed by campus safety. He was later charged with allegedly breaching a no-contact order.
- July 2025: Yohans pleaded guilty to breaching probation and a peace bond. Judge Matthew Stanley sentenced him to time served, but he was rearrested a day after his release.
Why federal action is being questioned
Yohans is not a Canadian citizen, and some residents and local officials have asked why Canada Border Services Agency has not initiated removal action. Guelph Police have issued at least three public warnings about Yohans, citing a pattern of violence they say presents a risk, particularly to women.
Canada Border Services Agency typically has authority to detain and seek removal of non-citizens under certain circumstances, but such processes involve legal reviews and interactions with the courts. Police statements did not provide details on any contact with federal authorities in this case.
Next court steps and community response
Yohans remains in custody pending the bail hearing scheduled for Wednesday. Guelph Police say decisions on release or continued detention will be made by the court. Local services, including the university and social agencies, have previously issued warnings when Yohans was seen in public spaces.
Community members and some local officials are likely to watch the upcoming hearing for signs of a more permanent resolution, including clearer coordination between policing and federal immigration authorities.
The court will determine whether Yohans is released again or held while authorities pursue further steps. Until then, the case remains a focal point for questions about public safety and how criminal and immigration systems interact.
GuelphCrimePoliceCBSACourt
