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The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service charged a member of the Canadian Forces Wednesday with sexual assault under the Criminal Code, as well as two related offences under the National Defence Act. The charges relate to alleged incidents in April and September 2017 at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., involving another member of the Canadian Forces, according to the NIS.

Major Timothy Abbott, a staff officer at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., faces the following charges: one count of sexual assault under section 271 of the Criminal Code, punishable under the National Defence Act; one count of drunkenness, punishable under the National Defence Act; and one count of conduct to the prejudice of good order and discipline, punishable under the National Defence Act.

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The count of conduct to the prejudice of good order and discipline relates to an alleged incident of harassment in April 2017, the NIS said in its news release. The counts of sexual assault and drunkenness relate an alleged incident in September 2017.

The charges have not been tested in court and the NIS noted that in all cases, the subject of charges is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The matter is now proceeding in accordance with the military justice system for possible court martial, the investigative organization noted.