OTTAWA — A high-ranking Canadian Forces officer faces serious, sex-related charges involving allegations that stem from the mentoring of military cadets.
The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service says Lt.-Col. Mason Stalker has been charged with 10 offences including sexual assault, sexual exploitation and breach of trust.
The investigative service says the charges are connected to a series of incidents that are alleged to have occurred in Edmonton between 1998 and 2007.
The 40-year-old Stalker is commander of the 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, based in Edmonton.
He is charged with three counts of sexual assault, four counts of sexual exploitation and one count each of sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching and breach of trust by a public officer.
Anyone with information that may be related to the investigation is asked to contact the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service western region tip line at 1-877-233-6066.
"These are serious and significant charges under the Criminal Code of Canada," CFNIS commanding officer, Lt-Col.Francis Bolduc, said in a statement.
"Regardless of a member's rank and role in the Canadian Armed Forces, the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service works diligently and independently from the Canadian Armed Forces chain of command to protect individuals from those who violate the law.”