Medhani Yohans, a known high-risk offender in Guelph, is once again in police custody, a chillingly familiar pattern for the community. The 36-year-old, who is not a Canadian citizen, was arrested mere hours after his latest release, raising serious questions about public safety and the effectiveness of current measures.
Police allege Yohans breached his probation conditions on Monday afternoon, specifically by being at a prohibited address within the city. This arrest is just the latest chapter in a troubling history of offenses, marked by violence and a disregard for court orders.
Yohans’ past is riddled with disturbing incidents, including convictions for sexually assaulting strangers. Last July, he pleaded guilty to breaching probation and a peace bond, receiving a sentence of time served – a decision that quickly proved insufficient.
The Guelph Police Service has issued three public warnings regarding Yohans, explicitly stating he poses a risk, particularly to women. They expressed concern he would re-offend, a fear tragically validated by his repeated returns to the justice system.
Just 24 hours after a previous release, Yohans faced charges of four counts of breach of probation, disobeying a court order, and criminal harassment. A woman recognized him and reported that he followed her, even attempting to enter her workplace, demonstrating a persistent and unsettling pattern of behavior.
His criminal record stretches back to at least 2018, with a single weekend resulting in three separate arrests for offenses ranging from vehicle break-ins to indecent exposure. This early behavior foreshadowed the escalating severity of his later crimes.
In January 2023, Yohans was arrested for sexual assaults on two unsuspecting strangers, including a teenage international student. The assaults involved unwanted touching in public spaces, highlighting a brazen disregard for personal boundaries and the vulnerability of his victims.
Even warnings about his impending release haven’t provided lasting safety. In February 2025, police alerted the public to his release on March 1st, only to rearrest him eight days later for breaching his probation by failing to report to authorities. He was briefly released again, only to be back in custody the following day.
The University of Guelph even issued a safety bulletin, informing students that Yohans had been found sleeping on campus and removed by security. Later that same day, he was charged with breaching a no-contact order, further illustrating his inability to adhere to legal restrictions.
The cycle of release and re-arrest has left many questioning why Canada Border Services Agency has not intervened, given Yohans’ non-citizen status. The repeated breaches and public safety concerns seem to demand a more decisive response.
Following his latest arrest, Yohans appeared in court and was remanded in custody, awaiting a bail hearing scheduled for Wednesday. Police have made it clear they believe he remains an active and ongoing risk to the community while at large, leaving residents understandably anxious.
The case underscores a frustrating reality for law enforcement and the public: a dangerous individual repeatedly cycling through the justice system, raising profound questions about how to effectively protect the community from a persistent threat.
