Cops issue public warning as convicted rapist released in Toronto

At his trial, the judge described his crimes against two women and a teenage girl 'sadistic'

Published May 07, 2026  •  Last updated 20 minutes ago  •  2 minute read

Convicted sex offender Dave Anthoney Avis, 50, will reside in Toronto after being released from prison on Thursday, May 7, 2026. Photo by Handout /Toronto Police

Toronto Police are advising the public that a high-risk convicted sex offender who served his time in a Winnipeg prison has been released in the city

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Cops say Dave Anthoney Avis, 50, was released Thursday from prison on statutory release.

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Avis was convicted in 2018 in Winnipeg of sexual assault, sexual assault with a weapon, sexual assault causing bodily harm, and three counts of forcible confinement.

Following his conviction, Avis was that same year sentenced to 12 years in prison

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Convicted of ‘sadistic’ sex assaults of women and a girl

During his trial, court heard he trapped and sexually assaulted two women and 17-year-old girl on three occasions between May and November 2016 in Winnipeg while high on crystal meth, according to a CBC report.

The Winnipeg court also heard that Avis told one of his victims he was “the son of Satan” and another that he “loved to see women hurt.”

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“It is hard to imagine that a person could do the things described by the victims in their accounts,” Manitoba Court of Queen’s Bench Justice James Edmond said at the time.

“Each of the incidents is very serious in nature, and involve violent, deviant, reprehensible, sadistic behaviour and conduct.”

Crown prosecutor Carrie Ritchot said said in court that Avis showed paranoid behaviour and threatening language in all of the “sadistic” sex assaults, some of which included chemical burns to the victims’ genitals and forced penetration with “homemade” devices.

The names of the survivors are protected under a publication ban.

Convicted sex offender Dave Anthoney Avis, 50, will reside in Toronto after being released from prison on Thursday, May 7, 2026. Photo by Handout /Toronto Police

Avis subject to numerous release conditions

Police say while Avis is residing in the Toronto area he will be supervised by the Correctional Service of Canada and will be subject to numerous conditions.

Among them, Avis must reside at a designated community-based residential facility or psychiatric facility approved by the Correctional Service of Canada.

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He’s also not to contact the victims of the above offences nor consume, purchase or possess alcohol or illegal drugs.

Avis is also not have any contact with children under 18 years unless previously approved by his parole supervisor and he must report all relationships with females.

Toronto Police are notifying the public about this offender because of his demonstrated risk to the community, including to sex trade workers.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7474, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

[email protected]

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