Media Advisory: Public Alert – High Risk Sex Offender Observed in Smiths Falls
Smiths Falls Police are alerting the public as a precautionary measure regarding a high-risk sex offender whom they have deemed to be at an elevated risk to reÂoffend. Although John ”Nathan” NICOL does present a safety risk to the public, his rights are guaranteed under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms Act.
John “Nathan” NICOL is currently on probation stemming from a conviction for an offence that occurred in Ottawa for committing an indecent act in public. He is considered a high-risk sex offender. After his release from custody, he continues to be bound by several conditions for the balance of his probationary term including, but not limited to:
- Not to be in the company of or communicate, directly or indirectly, by any physical, electronic or other means, with a person who is under the age of 16yrs unless their parent or guardian is present
- To remain in the jurisdiction of the court except with the prior written permission of your probation officer, such permission must be carried with you at all times when outside of the jurisdiction of the court
- Do not attend at a public park or public swimming area or a daycare centre, school-ground, playground or community center where persons under the age of 16yrs are present or can reasonably be expected to be present or can reasonably be expected to be present
- Prohibited from seeking, obtaining or continuing any employment, whether or not the employment is remunerated, or becoming or being a volunteer in a capacity that involves being in a position of trust or authority towards persons under the age of 16yrs
- Not possess any weapon(s) as defined by the Criminal Code
- To participate actively in a treatment program approved by the province
John “Nathan” NICOL is also required to notify of any change of address to police
in the jurisdiction where he resides, which is currently in the city of Ottawa.
At approximately 11 a.m. on the 29th of September 2025, a Smiths Falls citizen observed John “Nathan” NICOL acting suspiciously at Main/McGuill Street. This individual is a high-risk sex offender. NICOL was hiding behind shrubs and trying various doors in the area. He was located by Smiths Falls Police and his black Hyundai Sonata was located nearby blocking a driveway. Investigation revealed that John “Nathan” NICOL had entered a school in the City of Brockville earlier in the morning and fled once confronted.
Currently, John “Nathan” NICOL is being held for bail hearing for offences in the City of Brockville. Smiths Falls Police Service continues their investigation involving the presence of this high-risk sex offender in Smiths Falls.
The Chief of Police has the authority under Ontario Regulation 412/23 of the Community Safety and Policing Act of Ontario if they reasonably believe that a high-risk sex offender poses a significant risk to other persons or property and that disclosure of personal information is necessary to reduce the risk.
Smiths Falls Police are requesting the local public to check their cameras on the morning of September 29th Any reports regarding John “Nathan” NICOL, please contact the Smiths Falls Police Service immediately.
Authority;
Chief Jodi Empey
The charges in these matters have not been proven in court.
The Smiths Falls Police Service urges anyone with information regarding this incident, or similar incidents, to contact our service at 613-283-0357. Information may also be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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Source: Media Release submitted SFPS
