Police in southern Alberta say a jail guard has been placed on administrative leave and charged after a woman reported being sexually assaulted last Friday while lodged in an RCMP cell overnight.
The assault was alleged to have occurred on Oct. 13, in the early morning hours, Piikani RCMP said in a news release issued Tuesday. The Southern Alberta RCMP General Investigation Section was called in to investigate.
“The investigation, including a review of the cellblock video recording, has resulted in charges against a Corps of Commissionaire guard employed by the RCMP,” police said.
Charles G. Provost, 32, a resident of Brocket, Alta., has been charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of breach of trust. Police said he has been removed from his position working as a guard for RCMP cells.
In a statement to Global News Dennis Ellahi, the Southern Alberta Division of Commissionaires CEO, said he is deeply disturbed by the incident involving an employee, and the division is working closely with the RCMP during their investigation, and has launched its own internal inquiry.
“We can confirm that the employee has been removed from his position and has been placed on unpaid administrative leave pending the outcome of the case, at which time we will determine final steps,” said Ellahi.
“We remain unwavering in our dedication to a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace; both for our staff and those entrusted to our care.”
Provost was released with conditions and his next court date is slated for Nov. 23 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Pincher Creek.
The RCMP said it takes any reports of a sexual assault “very seriously.”
“Once our officers were notified that this had happened, action was taken very quickly and a thorough investigation was completed,” said Supt. Rick Jane, the acting district officer for Southern Alberta RCMP.
“No matter what the circumstances are, anyone in the care of the RCMP must be protected and we will not tolerate a breach of trust.”
In addition to the criminal investigation, the RCMP said it has “mandated an operational review to examine compliance with RCMP policy and procedures to determine if any changes are needed in light of the incident.”
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