Charges stayed against 19-year-old in alleged sexual assault at Folk on the Rocks

A Yellowknife man is facing one count of sexual assault in connection withan assault that took place at the Folk on the Rocks festival this past July.

Court proceedings against Nathan Round began on Tuesday, although the 19-year-old did not appear in the Yellowknife courthouse himself.

The lawyer representing him waived the reading of the charge indicating that Round understood what he'd been charged with.

He has not entered a plea yet.

1 of 3 reports

According to Yellowknife RCMP, two other sexual assaults "were reported in relation to FOTR 2016."

"One file has been concluded without charges. One file is still under investigation," wrote RCMPspokespersonMarie York-Condon in an email to CBC.

Round is scheduled to appear in territorial court in Yellowknife on Nov. 22,when Crown prosecutors will decide how they wish to proceed.

If they choose to try Round's sexual assault charge as a summary offence, he could face between six months and 18 months in jail if found guilty. If they opt to treat it as an indictable offence, Round could face a sentence of up to 10 years in prison if found guilty.

"Things could change, but at this point I anticipate we'll proceed summarily," said David McWhinnie, a prosecutor based in Yukon who is handling the case due to an unspecifiedconflict ofinterest betweenN.W.T.'s Public Prosecution Service and someone involved in the case.

Round is under a number of restrictions includingnot to leave Yellowknife or possess a firearm, and he must notify RCMP about any changes to his employment, occupation or residence.