Man with history of indecent act convictions accused of exposing himself again in Nanaimo

A 65-year-old Nanaimo man previously convicted for indecent acts is facing two new charges after allegedly exposing himself to women in separate public incidents.

The BC Prosecution Service has approved two counts of committing an indecent act against Mark Nieuwejaar following an investigation by Nanaimo RCMP.

Police said the most recent incident was reported at approximately 9:30 a.m. on August 6th, after a man allegedly exposed himself to a woman jogging near the waterfront trail and playground area of Maffeo Sutton Park.

Officers responded immediately, obtained a description of the suspect and located a man matching that description a short distance away. He was arrested without incident.

The second charge relates to an alleged incident on Nicol Street on August 2nd. Police said the same suspect is accused of following a woman and exposing himself to her.

These allegations are not the first involving Nieuwejaar.

According to a 2014 Global News report, Nieuwejaar was charged with three counts of committing an indecent act following reported flashing incidents at Westwood Lake.

At the time, the news outlet reported that he had already been convicted eight times for indecent acts. He was also reportedly convicted of two counts of sexual assault in 1985.

Nanaimo RCMP investigators are now reviewing whether there may be additional witnesses or incidents connected to the accused in the most recent incidents.

“Incidents of this nature are concerning for both victims and the broader community,” said Inspector Donovan Tait, operations officer for the Nanaimo RCMP detachment.

“We want to remind the public that it is extremely important to report suspicious, disturbing or criminal behaviour immediately.”

Police said Nieuwejaar remained in custody and was awaiting a bail hearing at the time of the release.

Anyone who witnessed either incident or has information that has not already been provided to investigators is asked to call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at (250) 754-2345.