A man was charged with her sexual assault 3 years ago. He's never been extradited

A Nova Scotia woman wants answers from the Public Prosecution Service about why it has failed for nearly the past three years to extradite a former Dalhousie University professor charged with sexually assaulting her.

She is also adding to a chorus of voices pressing the Nova Scotia government to proceed with legislation that would restrict the use of non-disclosure agreements in cases of sexual violence or discrimination.

Jennifer Graves filed a complaint with police in 2019 stating that she had been sexually assaulted multiple times by a former Dalhousie professor, Ryan Matthew Pelis, in 2014 and 2015.

Police charged him with two counts of sexual assault in December 2019, but by then, Pelis, an American citizen, had left for the U.S.

The court document listing the charges shows an address for Pelis in Massachusetts, but despite knowing his whereabouts, the Public Prosecution Service has never proceeded with an extradition request.

Graves said the lack of action is "absolutely devastating."

"It was investigated, it warranted a charge, so why doesn't it warrant its day in court? It's just mind-boggling to me."

There is no publication ban on Graves's name because a ban can only be introduced once an accused person makes their first court appearance. Since Pelis has never attended court on the charges, no ban has taken effect.

Graves said she wanted to speak publicly about her case because it highlights issues that are "just too important to not lend your voice when you can."

CBC News attempted to contacted Pelis through multiple channels, but did not hear back from him.

There is a Canada-wide warrant issued for Pelis's arrest, so if he ever tries to enter Canada, he will be arrested.

But he cannot be forced to come back to answer the charges unless he is extradited. 

The extradition process begins with police, who must first locate the accused abroad. Police then consult with the Public Prosecution Service of Nova Scotia (PPS), which makes the decision whether to make an extradition request to Ottawa. In cases where the PPS decides to pursue extradition, it provides information to a branch of the federal Justice Department, which then liaises with counterparts in the country where the accused is living.

A statement from the Halifax District RCMP, which investigated Graves's case, says police did consult with the PPS, but were advised in fall 2019 that the PPS would not proceed with extradition.