Whitehorse RCMP officer charged with sexual assault

A Whitehorse RCMP officer has been charged with sexual assault, after allegedly touching a female co-worker without consent.

Police say the charge follows a months-longinvestigation led by a senior Yukon RCMPinvestigator, and a review by the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT). The investigation began soon after the incident was reported to Yukon RCMP senior managers earlier this year.

Police say the male officer, a 17-year veteran of the force, is accused of touching a female RCMP employee on January 4, while on duty at RCMP headquarters in Whitehorse.

It was reported to senior managers shortly afterwards, police said.

A criminal investigation was launched, as well as "the internal RCMPConduct process,"police say in a news release.

RCMPconsulted with Yukon's justice department and ASIRT, and determined that a senior YukonRCMPinvestigator would lead the investigation, followed by an ASIRT review.

That resulted in a recommendation to charge the officer with sexual assault. He was charged on May 25 and isdue to appear in Yukon Territorial Courton June 14.

Police say the RCMPConduct process is continuing.

Police have not identified the officer. He has been suspended with pay since February 6.