Police search for additional victims in historic sexual assault case

Halifax Regional Police headquarters is shown in Halifax on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese

By Rachel Morgan

Posted Feb 14, 2026 10:12:11 AM.

Last Updated Feb 17, 2026 11:07:11 AM.

Halifax police are investigating a historical sexual assault and believe there may be additional victims.

In October 2022, RCMP say a woman provided a statement disclosing a sexual assault that occurred in 2010 in both Halifax and Yarmouth. The victim was a youth at the time of the offence.

RCMP arrested Bruce Douglas Hatfield, 60, and charged him with sexual assault. In December 2025, he was found guilty on both charges.

Police say Hatfield remains in custody and is scheduled to return to court for sentencing in March 2026.

During the trial, police say witness testimony suggested Hatfield made trips between Yarmouth and Halifax with other young women.

Investigators are now saying they are concerned there may be additional victims.

Police are reminding the public that there is no statute of limitations for sexual assault in Canada and anyone who has been a victim—regardless of when the incident occurred—is encouraged to contact police.

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