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Hanson said that given the relationship between the victim and her employer, Noble, the charges are worrisome.

“It’s concerning at anytime when situations like these take place, but it’s more disconcerting when it’s involving a person in authority or somebody who takes advantage of somebody in a vulnerable position,” said Hanson.

There was no indication how long the victim was employed by Noble.

Photo by Kerianne Sproule/Postmedia

Balfour Der, Noble’s lawyer, said Thursday afternoon that he and his client plan to fight the charge.

“We will defend this charge vigorously because the man absolutely denies this allegation. He will defend his innocence the whole way through, you can bet on that,” said Der.

“There is no sexual assault here. There was no crime here. He is an upstanding member of the community — he has a squeaky clean record.”

Der said Noble has taken a “short step back” from his restaurants to deal with the charge, but the businesses will operate as usual.

The pair were made aware in the past day or two that the charge would be coming.

Hanson said he doesn’t believe there to be evidence of similar instances, but wouldn’t close the door on it.

“We are certainly open to the possibility of it. Anytime somebody in authority is accused of taking advantage of a situation of assaulting somebody in some way, we always are concerned there might be other victims from other incidents,” said Hanson.

“We would encourage anybody who is a victim of a sexual assault, not only in this scenario but certainly in other matters that they are bothered by, to come forward and report them to police so we can help them through it and investigate them.”

Der said he has no concern of further complaints.

“I’m sure this will remain as a single allegation,” he said.

Der said Noble’s first court appearance is set for May 30.

zlaing@postmedia.com

On Twitter: @zjlaing