London, Ont. police reopen criminal probe into alleged sex assault at 2018 Hockey Canada gala
Global News
London's police chief said an internal review of the Hockey Canada file had found 'further investigative opportunities available,' and the criminal investigation had been reopened.
Police in London, Ont., announced Friday that they would reopen a criminal investigation into an alleged sexual assault in the city involving members of Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team.
It comes two days after Steve Williams, London’s police chief, announced that an internal review of the force’s initial investigation would be conducted to “determine what, if any, additional investigative avenues may exist.”
The initial investigation, which wrapped up in February 2019 with no charges, was “lengthy and detailed,” he said.
In a statement Friday, Williams revealed the review had found “further investigative opportunities available,” and, as a result, the criminal investigation had been reopened to “allow those opportunities to be explored.”
“As this is now an active criminal investigation, I am unable to speak further to the matter. Appropriate information will be shared once the investigation has concluded,” Williams’ statement read.
Hockey Canada has been battered by the fallout over its handling of the sexual assault allegations.
In May, news broke that the organization had quietly settled a lawsuit filed by a woman who filed a complaint about being assaulted while intoxicated by eight unnamed players, including members of the world junior team, following a gala event in London on June 18, 2018.
Hockey Canada paid out an undisclosed settlement to the alleged victim in relation to the suit, which also named the Canadian Hockey League and the eight players.
