A former co-owner of a now-shuttered downtown Edmonton music venue has been charged with sexual assault.
James Leder, one of three co-owners of The Needle Vinyl Tavern, faces one count of sexual assault in relation to an incident in March 2017.
The charge comes after a woman came forward with sexual harassment allegations late last fall. The victim’s name is protected under a court-imposed publication ban.
The woman alleged she was groped by one of the owners of The Needle. She said the incident happened the previous March.
On Friday, the woman told Global News she was informed last week of the charge laid against Leder.
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“Initially I was kind of in shock because a lot of these cases don’t get taken seriously enough for anything to ever really happen,” she said.
“It’s not a conviction, of course, but even just charges being laid is a huge deal and I think a really good indicator of how things are changing.”
After the allegation in November, several artists and groups cancelled performances at the venue on 105 Street and Jasper Avenue.
The Needle closed its doors within days of the allegations coming to light. The venue has not re-opened.
Since sharing her story, the woman said she’s heard from other people who have shared their stories of sexual harassment and assault.
“I feel very, very grateful to hear those stories,” she said. “I’ve met a lot of incredible people as a result of this and I feel like I’ve learned so, so much in this process.
“My intention in speaking with these people is just making sure that I’m directing them to the right places so they can be helped and supported in the way that they need to be and so that they can process their trauma or experiences in a healthy way.”
Leder is scheduled to appear in court on April 24, 2018.
The Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton (SACE) offers a 24-hour confidential sexual assault crisis line for anyone affected by sexual violence.
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