The BC Prosecution Service has approved two counts of committing an indecent act, contrary to Section 173(1) of the Criminal Code, against 65-year-old Mark NIEUWEJAAR following an investigation by Nanaimo RCMP. The accused has been remanded into police custody and is awaiting a bail a hearing.

On August 6,  at approximately 9:30 a.m., Nanaimo RCMP received a report that a man had allegedly exposed himself to a woman while she was jogging near the waterfront trail and playground area of Maffeo Sutton Park. Officers immediately attended the area, obtained a description of the suspect. A suspect closely matching the description was located a short distance away and arrested without incident.

The second charge stems from an incident on August 2, 2026, on Nicol St, where it is alleged that the same suspect followed a woman and exposed himself.

As part of the ongoing investigation, investigators are reviewing whether there may be additional witnesses or incidents connected to the accused.

“Incidents of this nature are concerning for both victims and the broader community,” said Inspector Donovan Tait, Operations Officer for the Nanaimo RCMP Detachment. “We want to remind the public that it is extremely important to report suspicious, disturbing or criminal behaviour immediately. Prompt reporting enables officers to respond quickly, identify suspects, preserve evidence and help prevent further incidents from occurring.”