The former chair of the Columbia Basin Trust is facing one count of sexual assault.
The BC Prosecution Service confirmed Valemount mayor Owen Torgerson was charged this month relating to an alleged offence occurring on April 2 of this year.
Torgerson was re-elected mayor by acclamation this month, but due to the charge he will be mandated to take a leave of absence under the Community Charter.
Torgerson was first elected mayor in 2018. He had been on the Columbia Basin Trust board since 2019 and took over as chair in February of this year. He resigned as both chair and director following his arrest in April.
The prosecution service said the identity of the victim is protected under a publication ban. Torgerson’s first court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 29.
– With files from Brendan Pawliw and Zachary Barrowcliff
