University of Lethbridge professor charged with sexual assault

The Lethbridge Police Service has charged a 37-year-old University of Lethbridge professor, Nicholas Hanson, with the sexual assault of a female student.

Police said a 23-year-old woman reported to police that she had been sexually assaulted by her professor in December 2014. She made the report on Nov. 19, 2015.

An investigation concluded the student attended an off-campus event on Dec. 13, 2014, where she was alone in a room with a professor, and was subsequently sexually assaulted.

Police said the accused was known to the victim, as he was one of her professors at the time.

LPS said the University of Lethbridge is aware of the matter and has cooperated fully with the police investigation.

The victim, who is now 24 years old, is no longer a student at the U of L.

Following the arrest of Hanson by LPS, the university suspended him from his position as a staff member.

The U of L said an internal investigation has been initiated, and that it is committed to providing an environment in which sexual violence is not tolerated.

The release from the U of L said Hanson is being suspended with pay, pending the outcomes of the court proceedings and the internal investigation. The university said Hanson has been removed from campus and removed from all contact with students.

Hanson, 37, is charged with one count of sexual assault. Hanson was released from custody with conditions, including no contact with the victim. He is set to appear in court June 9.

Police said as the matter is before the courts, no further information will be released.