Sadlon, 87, was charged on Dec. 17 by Barrie police

Paul Sadlon speaks during an announcement at Paul Sadlon Motors in this file photo from May 2019. Raymond Bowe/BarrieToday

Paul Sadlon speaks during an announcement at Paul Sadlon Motors in this file photo from May 2019. Raymond Bowe/BarrieToday

Well-known local automotive dealer Paul Sadlon Sr. has been charged with sexual assault.

The 87-year-old businessman, who owns Paul Sadlon Motors on Bayfield Street, was charged Dec. 17, 2019 by Barrie city police following an alleged incident on Dec. 4. Sadlon is scheduled to make a first appearance in a Barrie courtroom on Monday, Feb. 3.

When contacted Tuesday at the north-end dealership, a family member told BarrieToday that Sadlon was not available for comment, but directed questions to local lawyer Karen Jokinen.

"There's a presumption of innocence before anyone is tried in court," Jokinen told BarrieToday. "A person's guilt should be determined in court, not by the media."

According to court documents, the charge falls under Section 271 of the Criminal Code.

Paul Sadlon Motors has been in operation since 1971.

Following a $2-million donation in 2011, the family name is included on the Sadlon Centre for Health, Wellness and Sciences at Georgian College's Barrie campus.

More recently, the former Barrie Molson Centre has been renamed Sadlon Arena after city council approved a 10-year naming rights agreement worth over $1.7 million.