According to police, on October 4, 2015 uniform officers from the St. Catharines office of the Niagara Regional Police Service were called to a residence in St. Catharines to speak with a 17 year old female. The female wished to report a sexual assault.
The investigation was soon taken over by detectives from the Sexual Assault Unit and Child Abuse Unit. Detectives learned that in late September 2015 the 17 year old female attended the Lake Street Armoury and signed up for the Canadian Army Cadets program.
Over the following week the 17 year old female’s commanding officer sexually assaulted her.
Captain Brandon Ernest a 35 year old member of the Lincoln and Welland Regiment of the Canadian Armed Forces, based out of St. Catharines is charged with the alleged offences of:
– Sexual Assault contrary to section 271 of the Criminal Code of Canada
– Sexual Exploitation contrary to section 153 of the Criminal Code of Canada
– Breach of Trust by a Public Officer contrary to section 122 of the Criminal Code of Canada
Ernest was held in custody and will attend a bail hearing on October 5th, 2015 at the St. Catharines court house.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111 ext. 5128.
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