Re: Chariton Lazarus
ORB File No: 8702
Hearing held on: Thursday, January 15, 2026
Place of hearing: North Bay Regional Health Centre
Pursuant to: Sections 672.48(1) & 672.81(1) of the Criminal Code
Before:
Alternate Chairperson: Mr. P. Hageraats
Members: Dr. J. Watts
Dr. G. Stones
Ms. M. Chamberlain
Ms. C. Plyley via video conference
Parties Appearing:
Accused: Chariton Lazarus
Counsel: Mr. C. Bracken
Person in charge of Hospital: Representative: Mr. R. Holden
Counsel Mr. P. Trenker
Attorney General of Ontario: Counsel: Ms. M. Mazurski
REASONS FOR DISPOSITION
(Dated March 2, 2026)
Introduction:
On December 12, 2024, Chariton Lazarus was found unfit to stand trial on charges of criminal harassment (x2), assault, mischief, fail to comply with undertaking (x2) and fail to comply with probation (x7) all contrary to the Criminal Code. He is currently subject to a disposition of the Ontario Review Board (“the Board”), detaining him at the Forensic Programs of the North Bay Regional Health Centre – North Bay Site (“the Hospital”), with discretionary privileges up to and including the ability to live in the community in accommodation approved by the person in charge.
On January 15, 2026, the Board convened a hearing pursuant to s.672.48(1) and 672.81(1) of the Criminal Code, to determine whether Mr. Lazarus remains unfit to stand trial and, if so, whether he continues to represent a significant threat to the safety of the public and the necessary and appropriate disposition. Mr. Lazarus was present at the hearing and was assisted by Mr. Bracken.
Mr. Trenker, on behalf of the Hospital, submitted that Mr. Lazarus remains unfit to stand trial and continues to represent a significant threat to the safety of the public. The necessary and appropriate disposition is the continuation of the current detention order with the same terms and conditions. Ms. Mazurski, on behalf of the Ministry of the Attorney General, concurred in the Hospital’s position. Mr. Bracken informed the Board that he was acting as agent for Mr. Strickland but that he required an order appointing him to represent Mr. Lazarus. This order was made on consent. Mr. Bracken stated that he did not have instructions from his client and would therefore not be strenuously opposing the disposition sought by the Hospital.
Findings:
- For the reasons that follow, the panel finds that Mr. Lazarus remains unfit to stand trial and continues to represent a significant threat to the safety of the public. The panel agrees with the Hospital’s recommendation that the necessary and appropriate disposition is a continuation of the current detention order.
Index Offence(s):
- The circumstances of the index offences are taken from last year’s Reasons for Disposition as follows:
Crown Brief Synopsis 24-007044
“Narrative:
CHARGE COUNT #1 – Criminal Harassment contrary to S.264(1)CC CHARGE COUNT #2 – Criminal Harassment contrary to S.264(1)CC
On April 8th, 2024, at approximately 4:08pm, the accused Chariton LAZARUS attended 85 Kirby Avenue in the City of Timmins in the Northeast Region. LAZARUS was in possession of many photographs of CRAWFORD and PORTELANCE, which included their home address and phone number. PORTELANCE contacted the police to report LAZARUS and attended the police station to provide a video statement.
The video statement revealed that approximately five years ago Carly-Dawn PORTELANCE and Aleah CRAWFORD met Chariton LAZARUS at a family barbeque. After the barbeque PORTELANCE and CRAWFORD made no attempts to remain in contact with LAZARUS.
Approximately one and a half years ago, LAZARUS began to frequently attend PORTELANCE’s place of work. PORTELANCE explained to LAZARUS that he needed to stop attending her workplace, but LAZARUS continued to attend. LAZARUS would follow PORTELANCE and CRAWFORD throughout the city of Timmins. LAZARUS would locate them at stores and events and would follow them around. LAZARUS repeatedly accessed PORELANCES’s name and address on the photographs ad he would leave them at