A Red Deer youth faces accusations of sexually assault male and female youths over a five-year period while with two youth-based organizations.
Red Deer RCMP issued a news release on Tuesday that said some of the assaults are alleged to have occurred while the youth was with Cadets Canada and Scouts Canada on trips. There were other alleged incidents unrelated to the youth organizations.
A two-month police investigation into sexual assault allegations, including assault with a weapon, have led to the arrest of a 17-year-old Red Deer youth. The youth can’t be identified because of provisions in the Canada Youth Justice Act.
Through their investigation, police believe several sexual assaults occurred between 2011 and 2015 involving male and female youth victims. Some of the offences are alleged to have occurred in Central Alberta.
The youth faces nine sexual assault-related charges. Police said the accused participated with Scouts Canada between 2007 and 2012 and with Cadets Canada between 2011 and 2015.
John Petitti, Scouts Canada executive director of marketing and communication, said they were contacted by RCMP on June 29 about the investigation and co-operated fully with officers.
“We provided them with any details or information they requested,” said Petitti.
Red Deer RCMP say the investigation started in May when one victim came forward and filed a complaint.
Petitti said Scouts Canada does have a focus on parent and youth safety education for its participants.
“So they understand what constitutes unacceptable behaviour, they understand the channels through which to make notice or advise that such behaviours have taken place and they need to feel confident should they bring complaints like that forward, that Scouts Canada will act,” said Petitti.
“Like any national youth serving organization, we know that there are people who may want to do harm. We can’t pretend issues like this don’t arise,. But that’s why we spend so much effort and focus on making sure parents and youth are aware of our Safe Scouting practices and how to bring concerns forward.”
The person is charged with five counts of sexual assault, two counts of assault with a weapon and one count each of indecent act and sexual interference. The youth will appear in Red Deer youth court on Thursday. The accused has been released from custody to an adult under court-ordered conditions.
Police did not release details of dates or locations of the alleged offences or which Scouts of Cadets groups the youth was a part of to protect the identities of the alleged victims.
Police are still investigating the matter. Anyone with more information is asked to contact the Red Deer RCMP at 403-343-5575, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com.
Calls to Cadets Canada were not returned.
mcrawford@www.reddeeradvocate.com