Charges of sexual assault and sexual exploitation have been laid against a Cole Harbour man following an investigation by the RCMP/ HRP Integrated Criminal Investigation Division's Sexual Assault Investigation Team, or SAIT.
The investigation began on March 6 when a friend of the victim was concerned and went to an adult for help. The subsequent police investigation resulted in charges against the accused in relation to a 15-year-old female.
The accused, a 48-year-old man from Cole Harbour, is facing charges of Sexual Assault and Sexual Exploitation. He was arrested on March 17 and later released from custody, on conditions to have no contact with the victim. He is scheduled to attend Dartmouth Provincial Court on June 9.
Investigators feel that due to the nature of the accused's position in the community, there may be additional victims. Anyone who feels they could be a victim, or has concerns about someone else who could be a victim, is encouraged to contact police. The SAIT unit can be contacted by calling 902-490-5020.