Hedley singer Jacob Hoggard charged with sexual assault

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect that the alleged victims were one woman and one girl, not two woman. 

After months of public discussion, Jacob Hoggard, lead singer of the band Hedley, was arrested and charged with sexual assault in Toronto on Monday.

Police charged him with one count sexual interference and two counts of sexual assault causing bodily harm.

The Criminal Code says sexual interference involves the touching for a sexual purpose, directly or indirectly, of a person under the age of 16 with a part of the body or with an object.

0:43 Hedley’s Jacob Hoggard Arrested

• Hedley’s Jacob Hoggard Arrested
• Hedley fans stand behind band after pop-rock group announces hiatus
• Calgary radio DJ alleges sexual misconduct against Hedley’s Jacob Hoggard
• Hedley concert in Windsor, Ont. cancelled amid sexual misconduct allegations
• Calgary radio host accuses Hedley’s Jacob Hoggard of sexual misconduct
• Video shows Calgary radio host accusing Hedley’s Jacob Hoggard of sexual misconduct

Previous Video

Next Video

The charges stem from three separate incidents in 2016 that involved one woman and a girl.

Get daily National news

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Hoggard was accused of sexual misconduct in the wake of the #MeToo movement, and his band went on indefinite hiatus earlier this year. Police say they suspect there are more victims.

Among those making the allegations was a Calgary radio host, Katie Summers, who said Hoggard touched her inappropriately seven years ago.

READ MORE: Calgary radio host accuses Hedley’s Jacob Hoggard of sexual misconduct

 On Twitter, many people shared stories of Hoggard offering to buy underage girls drinks, while others said he touched them inappropriately without their consent.

Hoggard’s lawyer declined comment in an email to Global News.

“Other than statements I may make in court, I do not anticipate making any public comment on this matter,” Ian Smith said.

Hoggard has previously denied any wrong-doing, saying he has never engaged in any form of non-consensual sexual behaviour, but apologized for his “reckless and dismissive” treatment of women in the past.

He also announced that he would be putting his career on hold in February, saying he would make real changes in his life, seek guidance from his family and learn from the “amazing women in my life.”

He will appear in court on Thursday.

*with files from the Canadian Press