A chef who works at two Calgary restaurants has been charged with sexually assaulting an employee, an allegation his lawyer refuted Thursday afternoon.
A 21-year-old woman reported to police she was at a social gathering taking place in the 200 block of 8 Avenue S.W.
In the early morning hours of Jan. 30, she alleges she was followed into a bathroom by her employer, cornered in a stall and sexually assaulted her. The woman reportedly pushed the man away and left the bathroom.
WATCH: Well-known Calgary chef Michael Nobel has been charged with sexually assaulting a 21-year-old employee at a social gathering. But as Lauren Pullen reports, Nobel maintains he’s innocent.
Police said Thursday that Michael John Noble, 56, has been charged with sexual assault.
Calgary police confirmed to Global News that Michael Noble is the same man who is a chef at Notable and The Nash restaurants.
“It’s concerning at any time when situations like these take place, but it’s more disconcerting when it’s involving a person in authority or a person who’s perceived to be an authority,” Staff Sgt. Tom Hanson said Thursday.
WATCH: Calgary Police Staff Sgt. Tom Hanson says it’s more disconcerting when it involves a person of authority in sexual assault cases, like the one involving Calgary chef Michael Noble.
Hanson said the woman went to police shortly after Jan. 30 and the investigation started right away. He said Noble’s notoriety didn’t play a factor in the investigation or charges.
“We have to have confidence that the incident actually took place and that there’s evidence to support the allegation,” he said. “Once those facts and issues are answered then the determination is made that the appropriate charge, or what appropriate charge can be laid.”
Hanson said there is no evidence of other similar incidents at this point, but investigators are open to that possibility.
“Any time that somebody in authority is accused of taking advantage or assaulting somebody in some way or another, we always are concerned that there might other victims from other incidents that may be out there.”
WATCH: Calgary police say they aren’t investigating any more allegations against Calgary chef Michael Noble, but are willing to investigate any follow-up allegations if any come to light.
He added that supports have been made available to the woman who filed the report to police, including resources throughout the court process.
Noble ‘absolutely’ refutes allegation
Balfour Der, the defence lawyer Noble retained upon learning in the last day or two he would be facing a criminal charge, said Noble was surprised by the accusation and “absolutely” refutes the claim.
“We’ll defend this charge vigorously because the man absolutely denies this allegation,” Der said in an interview with media Thursday afternoon.
“He’ll maintain his innocence all the way through this, you can bet on that.
“We will absolutely defend this charge and fight this thing because there is no sexual assault here. No crime was committed.”
Der said Noble has taken a “short step back from the restaurants” to handle the situation. Both restaurants will continue to operate as usual, he said.
He said he is confident no other allegations will come forward against Noble.
“This is a single allegation, I’m sure it will only remain as a single allegation, because nothing else would have happened — not with this woman, nor with anybody else,” Der said.
In an emailed statement from Nash and Notable restaurants, the establishments said its 140 employees “are, and always will be, our number one priority.”
“The wellbeing of our staff takes precedence and we are working with a third party to ensure they have the support they need,” the statement reads.
“We are committed to the people who make our restaurants what they are – our staff, our valued guests and our community. It’s what we’ve always done, and it’s what we’ll continue to do.”
Noble was released on a promise to appear, Hanson said.