Charges approved after indecent act at local hotel

May 20, 2026 - Smithers, BC, British Columbia
From: Smithers RCMP

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Smithers RCMP are asking anyone who may have experienced similar behavior involving a man recently charged with an indecent act to contact police.

On May 17, 2026, at approximately 8:20 p.m., police were called to a hotel in Smithers after a man entered the building with his face covered by a surgical mask and exposed himself to an employee.

Police recognize that incidents like this are extremely serious and can leave a person feeling unsafe, violated and shaken. Despite the distressing nature of what occurred, the employee was able to provide police with a detailed description, which helped advance the investigation.

Investigators also obtained video surveillance from the business. The video showed the man appear to move in a way that limited his visibility to cameras.

The man was described as having long dark hair and wearing a blue surgical mask, black clothing, a black coat and green Crocs on his feet.

“This investigation moved quickly because of the detailed information provided by the employee and the persistence of the responding officer, who continued looking for the accused until he was found,” said Acting Sergeant Jim Preston, Acting Detachment Commander, Smithers RCMP.

Officers located the man matching this description a short time later in downtown Smithers and arrested him.

Jerry Morin has been charged with:

• Indecent act, Section 173(1) of the Criminal Code
• Disguise with intent, Section 351(2) of the Criminal Code
• Two counts of breach of probation, Section 733.1(1) of the Criminal Code

During the investigation police learned the accused was bound by probation conditions for similar offences outside British Columbia. The accused was remanded into custody following a bail hearing. 

We understand that incidents like this can be difficult to talk about and can go underreported. Anyone who has had a similar interaction with this individual is encouraged to contact Smithers RCMP, even if they didn’t report it at the time. 

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