Updated: Tue Feb. 27 2007 6:34:10 PM

toronto.ctv.ca

Toronto police are asking residents to come forward with information following the arrest of a convicted sex offender last Thursday.

Officers from the sex crimes unit, with the co-operation of the RCMP, apprehended John "Fester" Murray Melanson for allegedly failing to comply with court-ordered conditions imposed on him.

Melanson, 43, was born in New Brunswick and has lived throughout Canada and the U.S. He moved to the Toronto area last month, police said.

Melanson is a high-risk offender who has an extensive criminal record that includes sexual assault, invitation to sexual touching, possession of child pornography and distribution of child pornography.

The RCMP currently holds arrest warrants for allegations of sexual assault, sexual interference and possession of child pornography which allegedly occurred throughout the fall and winter of 2006.

Melanson is described as white, 5-foot-8, 190 pounds, with a shaved head.

Anyone who may have had contact with him or whose children may have had communicated with is asked to call Const. Brad Cooper at 416-808-8067.

Information can also be left by contacting Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.222tips.com.