WINNIPEG POLICE WARN OF HIGH-RISK SEX OFFENDER'S RETURN TO THE CITY
A convicted sex offender with a history of violent assault has been released from prison and is expected to return to Winnipeg, and police are now warning he continues to be a high risk to commit additional sex crimes.The Manitoba Integrated High Risk Sex Offender Unit announced that 34-year-old Richard Kofie Asante was released on statutory release after serving a sentence of over three years.
On June 19, 2023, he was convicted of sexual assault with a weapon and sexual assault by choking, suffocating, or strangling, receiving a sentence of three years, one month, and three days, with credit for nearly three years of pre-trial custody.
Asante has not completed sexual offender treatment and remains at high risk of reoffending against women.
His offenses occurred on July 9, 2021, when he met the victim via social media, became angered by her comment, and responded by choking her.
Police state that during the assault, he held a large knife to her throat, continued choking her until she lost consciousness, and proceeded to commit violent sexual acts.
He is described as 5'10'' tall, weighing 200 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
Tattoos include the word "Sante" on his right forearm and two playing cards on his right wrist.
Upon release, he will face conditions such as abstaining from alcohol and drugs, following a treatment plan for emotional regulation and violence, reporting all relationships with females, and a 10-year weapons prohibition.
Police issued this information to alert the public and prevent vigilante actions, asking anyone with information to contact the Manitoba High Risk Sex Offender Unit, Winnipeg police, or RCMP.
