The BC Prosecution Service says Peace River North MLA Jordan Kealy has been charged with one count of sexual assault.
The service says the charge against the independent MLA stems from alleged offences in Fort St. John between January 1 and September 20, 2024.
The allegations date back to before Kealy was elected on October 19, 2024.
In a statement to CJDC-TV News, Kealy said, “I’m innocent, and I will prove it in court.”
Kealy was charged on Wednesday and is scheduled to make his first court appearance in Fort St. John on July 6.
The service says senior Vancouver lawyer Gail Barnes was appointed as a special prosecutor on February 9 this year involving an investigation by the North District Prince George RCMP into Kealy.
It adds the appointment is intended to avoid potential improper influence in the administration of justice.
“Following consultation with the special prosecutor, the BCPS concluded that issuing a media statement was appropriate at this time,” the service said.
“As these matters are now before the court, neither the special prosecutor nor the BCPS will be releasing additional information or commenting further at this time.”
Kealy, a former B.C. Conservative who left the caucus last year, is the second sitting B.C. legislator facing criminal charges.
Former B.C. Conservative Hon Chan was charged in March with assault, assault by choking and uttering threats in a case of alleged intimate partner violence, prompting his removal from the party caucus.
The Richmond Centre legislator said he “disagreed with the allegation” and has rejected calls for his resignation.
With files from The Canadian Press.