Corner Brook man who initiated sexual relationship with minor granted full parole

CORNER BROOK, N.L. — A convicted sex offender from Corner Brook has been granted full parole by the Parole Board of Canada.

Johnathan Francis Brake had been serving a sentence of three years, seven months and 12 days for arranging a sexual offence against a child under 16, making sexually explicit material available to a child under 16, luring a child under 16 and sexual assault. The offences took place in western Newfoundland between January and May 2018. Brake was 36 at the time and his victim was an underage female.

Brake initiated a relationship with the girl and would spend time alone with her near her school, in exchange for tobacco and alcohol. Over time the relationship progressed to the exchange of unlawful sexual images before culminating in the sexual assault.

In its decision, rendered on March 27, the board does not reference where Brake is now residing.

Prior to his release, Brake had been on day parole since the fall of 2019. His case was reviewed by an in-office review and included a recommendation by the Correctional Service of Canada to grant full parole, in part because of the current pandemic crisis the country is experiencing, to include the impact on community-based residential centres. The Correctional Service is of the opinion Brake’s risk is manageable on a more liberal release.

In the past, Brake offered considerable rationalization for his behaviours, but the board said it is clear he engaged in grooming behaviours and could have ceased them at any time.

It said the timeframe in which the offences occurred, and the level of intrusiveness, stand out as the more aggravating factors in the assessment of risk. It was noted police twice cautioned Brake about spending time around teenagers.

Brake scored at a low risk of reoffending on two risk assessments and a Specialized Sex Offender Risk Assessment completed in May 2019 concluded he presented an average risk level for sexual reoffending and a low risk for general reoffending including nonsexual violent offending.

The board said it's of the opinion Brake will not present an undue risk to society if released on full parole and his release will contribute to the protection of society by facilitating his reintegration into society as a law-abiding citizen.

Conditions of his parole include that he has no direct or indirect contact with his victim, or any member of her family, and that he not visit within an imposed boundary to ensure that. This was a condition the victim’s family asked for when Brake was released on day parole. They fear an encounter with Brake could further traumatize the victim and the family.

He must also report all intimate sexual and non-sexual relationships and friendships with females and males that have parental responsibility for children under 16 to his parole supervisor.

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