74-year-old connected to Legacy Christian Academy denies assault allegations

A 74-year-old man with ties to a private Christian school in Saskatoon is denying allegations of sexual assault and assault with a weapon.

Saskatoon police announced the charges Tuesday, stating they were connected to a report made to police in 2022 of historic allegations of sexual assault. While police did not identify Ken Schultz at the time, police confirmed the accused had been affiliated with Legacy Christian Academy, formerly known as Christian Centre Academy.

An emailed statement from Mark Vanstone, the accused's lawyer, said that"Ken Schultz emphatically states that at no time did he conduct himself in the manner depicted in these accusations, and looks forward to the opportunity to clear his name of these allegations."

Dozens of students say they filed criminal complaints with police following a series of CBC News stories outlining allegations against former school staff members.

Schultz is the fourth person with ties to Legacy Christian Academy formerly known as Christian Centre Academy to be charged, alongsideAaron Benneweis, Duff Friesen and John Olubobokun.

Friesen and Olubobokun face multiple counts of assault with a weapon while Benneweis is charged with sexual assault and sexual exploitation of a minor.

All four people are named in a statement of claim in a $25-million civil suit.

It lists Schultz as a former elder at the church and school.