A Brampton man has pleaded guilty to abduction of a person under the age of 14 in relation to an August 2023 incident that occurred in Thessalon.
Manoj Govindbalunikam, 37, was arrested on Aug. 16, 2023 by officers with the Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Provincial Police, one day after the abduction.
Govindbalunikam appeared in a Sault Ste. Marie courtroom today by video. He was represented by counsel Jessica Belisle in front of Justice Michael Varpio, with Adrianna Mucciarelli acting as Crown.
According to the agreed statement of facts, Govindbalunikam was taking photos with his phone at the bank of the Thessalon River on Aug. 15, 2023. He left the area but later returned and approached the victim.
At the time of the arrest, the OPP identified the victim as a nine-year-old boy. A publication ban prevents reporting the name or any information that could identify the boy.
The victim was fishing alone at the mouth of the river when he was approached by Govindbalunikam, who handed the boy his RE/MAX business card and identified himself as a real estate agent. He offered the boy a fidget spinner toy.
At about the same time, two people kayaking on the river noticed the interaction and a yellow 2022 Chevrolet Camaro that had black racing stripes. They called police to describe what they had witnessed.
The victim collected his bicycle and fishing gear on his way home when Govindbalunikam drove slowly beside him, eventually offering a ride. The boy accepted and was instructed to leave the bicycle and fishing gear outside the Curling Club in Thessalon.
Govindbalunikam drove to the Sinton Tavern, where he purchased an ice cream for the victim. Police later found photos taken by Govindbalunikam on his phone showing himself with the victim and of the victim eating ice cream.
At one point, the victim asked for the car to stop so he could get out, but Govindbalunikam only slowed the vehicle.
He even drove past the victim's house while they were in the area.
The victim's father had been made aware that his son was in a vehicle unknown to the family and was able to spot and approach the yellow Camaro. He saw his son in the vehicle and as Govindbalunikam began to pull away he reached in the car to stop him.
The father retrieved his son and told Govindbalunikam to leave the community. At the time of the arrest, police said the boy was unharmed.
Govindbalunikam was identified through his licence plates and the business card. OPP officers were able to confirm his driver's licence photo matched the one on the real estate business card.
Police contacted Govindbalunikam by phone. He told them he was in Sault Ste. Marie and that the incident was a misunderstanding.
Govindbalunikam had originally requested a trial by judge alone, but later decided to offer a guilty plea.
Only the guilty plea was entered on Wednesday. Govindbalunikam will appear in person at a later date for sentencing.