Second Hamilton man busted in alleged drug-induced sex assault probe

Gilles Richard, who became involved with alleged predator Bryan Hayward, faces charges including gang sexual assault and administering an overpowering drug

Published May 26, 2026  •  2 minute read

Gilles Richard Photo by Hamilton Police

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Hamilton Police are looking for more victims in an ongoing sexual assault investigation that began in May 2025 with the arrest of Bryan Hayward, who faces multiple charges in a now high-profile case involving alleged drug-induced sexual assaults.

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After more victims were identified, a second Hamilton man, Gilles Richard, 43, was arrested and charged with gang sexual assault and administering an overpowering or stupefying drug, among other charges. Police say Richard became involved with Hayward online and that the two targeted adult victims through dating platforms and social media, arranged encounters, then allegedly gave them incapacitating drugs without their knowledge before sexually assaulting them.

Hamilton Police believe there are more victims who have yet to come forward. Anyone who has come into contact with the two men or has information that could help the investigation is asked to contact the sex crimes unit at 905-540-5553 or Crime Stoppers at www.crimestoppershamilton.com.

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Bryan Hayward Photo by Hamilton Police

International network of predators

Hayward was arrested in May of last year after a W5 investigation uncovered a global network of male predators who allegedly used online forums to boast about drugging women, sexually assaulting them, and posting photos and videos of the assaults.  One man in Europe described in detail how he allegedly knocked out his wife and assaulted her, calling her his “doll” and his “toy.” The news program forwarded the information to police, who promptly launched an investigation.

Hayward’s long rap sheet

Hayward was arrested shortly after W5 alerted police to videos uploaded to a pornographic website that appeared to show unconscious women being sexually abused. Hayward currently faces dozens of charges related to allegedly drugging and sexually assaulting women and posting images online. Previous charges include theft, drug possession, impaired driving, fraud, forgery, criminal harassment of an ex-girlfriend, and a dropped charge related to allegedly making an explosive device that was believed to have caused the loss of his left hand. A number of women alleging they were his victims reached out to the news program after the investigation aired.

Did Hayward drug, assault his own daughter?

Hayward’s ex-wife, Chelsea Davies, told W5 in November that police found no images of her on his devices, but she suspects their daughter was drugged while in his care. In 2023, she said Hayward returned their daughter from a visit, drooling and lethargic. A toxicology report later came back positive for the sedative benzodiazepine. Davies said she spoke with police several times, but nothing came of it. Hamilton Police said at the time they were trying to determine whether more charges could be laid.

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