Kelowna RCMP arrest ‘prominent member’ of local equestrian community for alleged sex crimes

RCMP in the Kelowna sex crimes unit say they have arrested a man described as a “prominent member of the local equestrian community” for allegations of sexual assault and sexual exploitation.

Police say the man was detained on Nov. 7 and later released on the condition that he have no contact with anyone under the age of 18.

“Our investigators believe there may be additional victims as the accused has been involved in the equestrian community for a number of years,” Cpl. Tim Russell with the Kelowna RCMP Vulnerable Persons Unit said in a release.

“Based on this belief, we are asking anyone in the equestrian community who believes they may have also been victim to an offence of a sexual nature, to please come forward and report those incidents to police.”

In a phone interview with CBC News, Russell said they have yet to recommend charges.

“The investigation is still in its infancy and once all the information is collected, and evidences are gathered we will be sending our file over to the B.C. Prosecution Service for a charge assessment,” he said.

Police say no additional details will be released due to the sensitive nature of the investigation.