A Pelham doctor who resigned from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario over misconduct accusations now faces criminal charges alleging sexual assaults on two females.

Charles Duncan, 73, of St. Catharines is charged with three counts of sexual assault and one count of sexual exploitation in relation to two separate alleged incidents involving a 16-year-old female and a 39-year-old female, according to Niagara Regional Police.

Duncan was arrested and released with a surety after a bail hearing at the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse Wednesday. He appeared via a video feed from the lock-up at NRP headquarters.

He was given a return court date of Dec. 2.

Recently, the college investigated whether Duncan engaged in professional misconduct or was incompetent in his practice.

In the face of the investigation, Duncan signed an undertaking and resigned from the college, effective Oct. 31.

He also agreed to never reapply for registration as a physician in Ontario or any other jurisdiction.

The undertaking also stated that should Duncan attempt to reapply, the college reserved the right to proceed with the investigation that was terminated as a result of the agreement and restart the discipline process.

Details of the complaint are not part of the undertaking.

Duncan also agreed to ask OHIP to deactivate his billing number.

The college lists Birchley Place, 209 Highway 20 E., in Fonthill, as the primary location of his practice. He received his Independent Practice Certificate in July 1970 and had privileges at St. Catharines hospital.

Police say investigators believe there may be additional victims in this matter and are asking anyone with information to contact them.

- with files from Bill Sawchuk