A Richmond Hill man faces 38 new charges after an assault investigation turned up evidence of further alleged crimes.
In February, York Regional Police arrested and charged a man in connection with a violent assault of a Richmond Hill woman. Police said the man followed her and attempted to force his way into her home.
At the time, he was charged with nine offences relating to the incident.
Investigators assigned to the case looked into the man's online activity, and on Thursday police announced the man is facing an additional 38 charges.
The man is believed to be connected to an assault that happened in a store on Bloor Street West in January, police said.
Officers also allege that the same man posted various job ads online between January and February 2015, looking for women to work as models or secretaries. The ads were posted under the names Jennifer, Joann or Joan.
Police said the ads were posted to try to lure women to meet the suspect at various locations in Toronto. In addition to the online ads, the accused was also found to be in possession of child pornography, police allege.
As a result of the investigation, 59-year-old Antonio Ricciardi is facing 38 charges, in addition to the charges related to the February assault. In total, Ricciardi has been charged with 47 offences including breaking and entering, carrying a concealed weapon, disguise with intent and criminal harassment.
The investigation is ongoing, and police believe there may be additional victims who have yet to come forward.
Anyone with more information is asked to contact police at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7261, or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
