Report finds no systemic issues over lack of public notification of B.C. sex offender's release

The B.C. government has made public some of the findings of a ministry-ordered investigation into the release of a repeat sex offender in Kelowna last year.

It come days after Taylor Dueck pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a person under 16 years of age at an equestrian facility in the Okanagan city on Feb. 9, 2024.

Dueck, 30, also pleaded guilty Monday to breaching probation orders, with a charge of invitation to sexual touching against him being stayed by prosecutors.

Parole board documents show Dueck had a history of sexual offences against children.

The assault at the equestrian facility prompted safety concerns, especially as Kelowna RCMP did not issue a public notification that a high-risk sex offender was living in the area.

Following the assault, then-public safety minister Mike Farnworth ordered an investigation into why the public wasn't notified.

In a written statement, the Kelowna RCMP said at the time that it sought a public disclosure order prior to Dueck's release, but "the threshold was not met in this case based on the totality of the circumstances."

In a statement issued Thursday, Public Safety Minister Garry Begg said the Investigation and Standards Office (ISO) found no evidence of systemic issues with B.C. Corrections and policing procedures, but the policy "had not been properly adhered to" in Dueck's case.

The ISO is an independent body established by the Corrections Act that provides oversight to B.C. Corrections.

The province did not make Begg available for an interview and did not clarify what policy was not followed, citing privacy concerns.

Recommendations from the ISO investigation include establishing a template for public notifications for police agencies to follow, exploring the feasibility of a public website for such notifications and strengthening language in training materials around the importance of seeking clarity on court-ordered decisions.

The ministry said a working group is being established with the goal of having the recommendations fulfilled within the next six months.

Dueck was sentenced to two years, less a day. With credit for pre-trial detention, he will serve 240 days in prison.