Edmonton man charged in connection with 3 sexual assaults

Edmonton police have charged a 29-year-old man in relation to three sexual assaults and officers believe there may be more victims.

Matthew McKnight has been charged with sexual assault causing bodily harm, two counts of sexual assault and unlawful confinement.

The charges relate to three separate incidents dating back to April.

On April 1, police said a 17-year-old girl left a bar in the area of 107 Street and Jasper Avenue with friends to attend an after party at McKnight’s home where they allege she was sexually assaulted.

About two weeks later, a 22-year-old girl left a bar in the same area and attended McKnight’s home with friends where police allege she was sexually assaulted.

Officers believe a third incident happened on July 6. In this case, police said a 21-year-old woman left a bar in the area of 106 Street and 82 Avenue and went to McKnight’s residence where she was allegedly sexually assaulted.

Brendan Crooks, a senior manager with Urban Sparq Hospitality – which owns several nightclubs and bars in Edmonton – confirmed to Global News that McKnight was a former employee of the company. Crooks said McKnight worked as an independent consultant.

“We take this matter extremely seriously and will fully cooperate with Edmonton police in any manner they ask us to,” Crooks said in a statement Wednesday night.

Urban Sparq Hospitality owns The Pint, Knoxville’s Tavern, The Rack, Denizen Hall, Canada Crawls, Arena Liquor and Argyle Grill and Bar.

Anyone with information about McKnight or any other incidents involving the 29-year-old is asked to contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.