A convicted sex offender with a history of targeting children is expected to be released into Winnipeg next month, prompting a public warning from police.
The Manitoba Integrated High Risk Sex Offender Unit says James Sheldon Jasper, 49, will be released from Headingley Correctional Centre on Jan. 10, 2026, after serving time for breaching probation conditions. Police say he is considered high risk to reoffend against children, especially young boys.
Jasper has a long criminal record that includes sexual offences against children and repeated violations of court-ordered restrictions. His past breaches include attending parks and areas near daycares and possessing internet-capable devices, all of which were banned under his release conditions. Police describe his offences as planned and predatory, involving the grooming of vulnerable victims.
Upon release, Jasper will face strict rules. He will be banned from places where children are present, prohibited from contacting anyone under 18 without approval, and barred from possessing weapons, cellphones, internet devices, or pornography. He will also have a curfew and must report personal relationships to his probation officer.
Police say the warning is meant to help the public take reasonable precautions and stress that harassment or vigilante actions will not be tolerated.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Manitoba Integrated High Risk Sex Offender Unit, the Winnipeg Police Service, the RCMP, or Manitoba Crime Stoppers.
