The Crown has announced it will withdraw sex-related charges against a former volunteer with the Fredericton Police Force, citing insufficient evidence to proceed to trial.
Charges stem from alleged incidents in 2023
The accused, whose identity is protected under a publication ban, faced multiple charges including sexual assault and sexual interference involving a minor. The allegations dated back to incidents that allegedly occurred in 2023 while the individual was volunteering with the force.
In a statement, the Public Prosecution Service said that after a thorough review of the evidence, including witness statements and forensic analysis, prosecutors determined there was no reasonable prospect of conviction. The charges are expected to be formally withdrawn at the next court appearance, scheduled for later this month.
Victim notified of decision
The victim and their family have been informed of the Crown's decision, according to the prosecution service. A spokesperson said the decision was not made lightly and that the office understands the difficulty this may cause for those involved.
The Fredericton Police Force has declined to comment on the case, citing the ongoing court process and privacy considerations for the volunteer. The volunteer had been suspended from duties when the allegations first came to light in 2024.
Background on the case
The charges were laid in early 2024 following an investigation by the Fredericton Police Force's major crime unit. The accused had volunteered with the force in various community outreach roles for approximately two years before the allegations emerged.
According to court documents, the alleged incidents took place outside of the volunteer's official duties. The case had drawn attention due to the involvement of a police volunteer, raising questions about screening processes for volunteers working with vulnerable populations.
The withdrawal of charges means the accused will not face a trial and will have no criminal record related to these allegations. The Crown emphasized that the decision does not imply the allegations were false, but rather that the evidence did not meet the standard required for a criminal conviction.
