The Independent

OPP say the arrest of a BC man a decades-long probe into four violent sexual assaults in Lambton and Chatham-Kent has yielded new information.

The OPP used genealogy to arrest the former southern Ontario resident in the abductions and sexual assaults. Between March and August 1997, four separate sexual assaults occurred where young women – including a Thamesville teen walking on London Road- were kidnapped, taken to a remote location, sexually assaulted and then abandoned. OPP in Lambton, Chatham-Kent and the Sarnia Police investigated. 

Based on the teen’s descriptions, police released information about the man. 

Several years later, two of the four cases were linked by DNA. In January 2024, DNA linked all four assaults to the same person. The OPP then used Investigative Genetic Genealogy to track down a man in BC.

Jason Timothy Davidson, 52, of Campbell River was arrested Oct. 26. Davidson, who police say lived in southern Ontario and has ties to Chatham-Kent and Lambton, faces 15 charges including aggravated sexual assault, kidnapping and uttering threats.

Since the arrest was made, OPP say several new tips have been called in and are being actively investigated.

Officials did not say whether any of the tips included possible new victims.

Davidson remains in custody in Chatham after being denied bail.