The British Columbia Prosecution Service has announced that Independent legislator Jordan Kealy has been charged with sexual assault over allegations dating back to before his election.
The service said in a statement on Thursday that the charge against Kealy, who was elected to represent Peace River North in October 2024, relates to alleged offences between Jan. 1 and Sept. 20 that year in Fort St. John.
It said special prosecutor Gail Barnes was appointed on Feb. 9 involving an investigation by the Prince George RCMP into the allegations against Kealy.
The service said Barnes, a senior Vancouver lawyer in private practice, was appointed to avoid potential improper influence in the administration of justice.
Kealy was charged on Wednesday and is scheduled to make his first court appearance in Fort St. John on July 6.
He did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
“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.
Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout — Legislative Assembly of B.C.
