Social Meida Post Leads To “Hate Crime” Charge

The Toronto Police Service is making the public aware of an arrest made in a Public Incitement of Hatred investigation.

It is alleged that:

• between August 10, 2025, and August 15, 2025, the accused made repeated online comments on social media towards multiple identifiable groups   
• the comments contained hateful, racist, and xenophobic rhetoric of a threatening nature

Through investigation, the accused was identified. On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant on his address. 

Douglas Lothier, 44, of Toronto, was arrested and charged with:

1. Public Incitement of Hatred
2. Make Indecent Telecommunications
3. Utter Threats to Cause Bodily Harm or Death

He is scheduled to appear in court at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West, on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 10 a.m., in room 103.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-4842, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

When suspected hate-motivated offences are reported to police, the investigation is led by the Hate Crime Unit (HCU).

If it is alleged a criminal offence was committed (such as assault or mischief) and it is believed to have been motivated by bias, prejudice or hate, the officer-in-charge may consult with the Crown. If a person is charged and convicted of the offence, the Judge will take into consideration hate as an aggravating factor when imposing a sentence.

Wilful promotion of hatred and advocating genocide are hate propaganda (hate speech) offences which require the Attorney General’s consent to lay charges. These charges are often laid at a later time.

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