York Police Charge Two in Markham Home Invasions Targeting Sex Workers

York Regional Police have arrested and charged a man and a woman in connection with a string of home-invasion robberies in Markham that investigators say specifically targeted sex-trade workers. Police allege that on 30 May a victim was assaulted and robbed after a man forced his way into a condominium unit near Verdale Crossing and Birchmount Road, fleeing in a blue sedan driven by an accomplice. Two further invasions were reported on 27 June at condominiums near Highway 7 East and Rodick Road. In each case the victims were sex-trade workers. The suspects, identified as Oniel Joshua Forrester, 29, of Barrie, and Maryanne Cunanan, 30, of Toronto, were taken into custody following searches that recovered stolen property at a Toronto residence. Forrester faces one count of armed robbery, three counts of robbery and four counts of disguise with intent. Cunanan is charged with armed robbery, two counts of robbery and possession of proceeds obtained by crime. Investigators have linked Forrester to an earlier robbery in Barrie on 6 May and are probing whether the pair may be responsible for additional offences. Police have released photographs of the accused and are urging any other potential victims to come forward.