Public Alert Issued for Convicted Sex Offender
Authorities in Winnipeg have issued a public warning regarding the release of Richard Kofie Asante, a 34-year-old convicted sex offender deemed high risk to reoffend. The Manitoba Integrated High Risk Sex Offender Unit (MIHRSOU), a joint force of the Winnipeg Police Service and the RCMP, announced that Asante was released from Edmonton Institution on July 9 on statutory release after serving part of his sentence. Asante is expected to reside in Winnipeg, prompting concerns for public safety, particularly among adult women who are considered at risk.
Asante was convicted on June 19, 2023, of sexual assault with a weapon and sexual assault by choking, suffocating, or strangling. He received a custodial sentence of over three years, with credit for nearly three years of presentence custody. Despite his release, police have noted that Asante has not completed sexual offender treatment, heightening the risk he poses to the community.
Details of Conviction and Release Conditions
The specifics of Asante's criminal history include violent sexual assaults that led to his incarceration at a maximum security federal institution in Edmonton. The MIHRSOU highlighted that his release on July 9 was statutory, meaning it was mandated by law after serving a portion of his sentence, rather than based on rehabilitation progress. This has raised alarms among law enforcement, who are taking proactive steps to inform the public about his presence in Winnipeg.
Physical descriptions provided by police indicate that Asante is approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighs around 200 pounds, and has identifiable tattoos, including 'Sante' on his right forearm and two playing cards on his right wrist. Authorities urge community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to Asante to the Winnipeg Police Service.
Community Safety Measures and Ongoing Concerns
The MIHRSOU's decision to issue a public alert underscores the severity of the threat Asante may pose, especially to adult females. Law enforcement agencies are emphasizing the importance of community awareness and encourage residents to take necessary precautions. While specific conditions of his statutory release have not been publicly detailed, such releases often include monitoring or restrictions, though police have made it clear that the risk of reoffending remains significant.
The release of high-risk individuals like Asante often sparks broader discussions about public safety, rehabilitation programs, and the effectiveness of statutory release policies. For now, the focus in Winnipeg remains on ensuring that the public is informed and prepared to respond to any potential threats associated with Asante's return to the community.