Police warn of high-risk offender’s release from Milner Ridge

Police are warning the public about a sex offender who was released from jail Sunday and is expected to live in Winnipeg.

Leslie Wayne Oliver Mercredi, 33, is considered a high risk to reoffend in a sexual manner against all children, particularly girls, the Manitoba integrated high-risk sex offender unit said in a news release Sunday night.

His criminal record includes convictions for sexual assault, sexual interference, assault, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and numerous breaches of probation and recognizance orders.

“Mercredi commits sexual offences by threatening victims or plying them with drugs or other inducements,” the release said.

Mercredi — also known as Leslie Wayne Brightnose and Leslie Mercredi — was released from Milner Ridge Correctional Centre after serving a sentence for two counts of failing to comply with conditions of a recognizance order. He was convicted of those offences on March 21.

“Any form of vigilante activity or other unreasonable conduct directed at Mr. Mercredi will not be tolerated,” the release said.