A 63-year-old art teacher is facing multiple charges following allegations of repeated sexual assaults on two young girls over an eight-month period in Pickering and Toronto. Durham police reported that the suspect, who is familiar with both families, allegedly visited the victims’ homes and engaged in inappropriate touching.
The reported assaults took place between November 2025 and July 2026, prompting a thorough investigation by authorities. In August 2026, after an extensive search, the suspect, Faruk Dewan, was apprehended in Ajax without resistance. Dewan, a resident of Pickering, now faces 11 counts of sexual assault and 11 counts of sexual interference with a person under 16. He is currently awaiting a bail hearing.
Dewan, known for providing art lessons from his Pickering residence, is being scrutinized by investigators who fear there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. Authorities have released Dewan’s photo in hopes of reaching potential witnesses.
Although these allegations have not been proven in court, Durham police urge anyone with relevant information to contact detective constable Gomez of the Special Victims Unit.
