Edmonton police arrest man in connection with sex assaults linked to dating app encounters | CBC News
Listen to this article
Estimated 2 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
Edmonton police have arrested a man in connection with their investigation of the alleged drugging and sexual assault of several women who used popular dating apps.
William McMullin, 56, is now facing multiple charges including sexual assault, administering a stupefying substance, assault with a weapon, voyeurism, unlawful confinement and criminal harassment.
Police said they began their investigation in April 2025 when a woman reported to them that a man she met on a dating app had sexually assaulted her. Since then, other complainants have come forward with similar reports.
Police said investigators pieced together four separate incidents, where a man connected with the women on apps like Facebook Dating, Bumble and Tinder.
Investigators said they believe the man later invited the women into his house, where they allege he drugged and then sexually assaulted them.
“These types of assaults are deeply troubling because they involve a calculated breach of trust,” EPS Staff Sgt. Christa Laforce said in a news release Wednesday.
She said she believes there may be additional complainants who have not come forward.
Lena Betker, co-CEO of the Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton (SACE), said the non-profit has observed an uptick in sexual assault cases initiated through dating apps.
“That is really just because people are now using that as a tool to meet people,” she said in an interview.
“Sexual violence existed before dating apps did. But dating apps are another way to facilitate harm and abuse.”
Betker said she’s concerned about the psychological toll this could have on the community, because it increases fear and anxiety in people who are using dating apps.
Ultimately, she said the onus falls on the perpetrators.
“Sexual violence isn’t caused by online apps or by dating. It’s caused by someone deciding to harm another person,” Betker said.
“If a survivor has experienced sexual violence while they’re out dating, the most important thing is for them to know it was not their fault and that support is available.”
McMullin is being held in remand, and is scheduled to appear in court on Friday.