Winnipeg police issue warning regarding release of high-risk sex offender

Winnipeg police and Manitoba RCMP are issuing a warning to the public regarding the release of a high-risk sex offender.

Police say 32-year-old Leslie Wayne Oliver Mercredi, who is a convicted sex offender, was released from the Headingley Correctional Centre on Aug. 31.

Mercredi had been in prison for failing to comply with the conditions of his recognizance order after being convicted on March 27.

Police are issuing the warning to the public, saying Mercredi has a history of violent and sexual offences against women and children, and is considered a high-risk to re-offend.

WPS does note that he has participated in some treatment programming in the past.

Mercredi has previously been convicted for sexual interference, possessing a weapon for dangerous purpose, and breach of probation.

Additionally, he has committed “sexual offences by threatening victims or plying them with drugs or other inducements. He has also breached probation orders by being alone with children under 16 years of age,” according to police.

Mercredi has been described at 5’10”, weighing roughly 136 pounds, has black hair, and brown eyes. He also has a Bear claw tattoo on his upper left arm, a 1501 on his left hand, a skull on his chest, and a cross on his upper back.

He has also been known to go by Leslie Wayne Brightnose, and Leslie Mercredi.

WPS says Mercredi is subject to a lifetime prohibition order, which includes the following:

• Attending a public park or public swimming area where persons under 16 years of age are present, or a daycare, school ground, playground or community centre;
• Seeking, obtaining or continuing any employment, or being a volunteer, that involves being in a position of trust or authority towards persons under 16 years of age; and
• Having contact with any person under 16 years of age unless done so with written authorization to do so from his Probation officer.

Mercredi is subject to a lifetime weapons prohibition order.

He is also subject to a recognizance order until Nov. 16, 2024, and a probation order until Mar. 27, 2026. Those conditions include:

• No contact/communication or be in the presence of any person under 16 years of age;
• Comply with daily curfew between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.;
• Reside as directed by his Probation officer;
• Comply with counselling, treatment as directed by his Probation officer; and
• Not possess or consume any alcohol or illegal drugs.

Lastly, police add he is expected to take up residence in Winnipeg.