Former North Peace Pride Society president charged with sex crimes against minors
A courtroom sign
By Catherine Garrett <vancouver.citynews.ca/author/catherine-garrett>
Posted January 8, 2024 4:41 pm.
A former board president of the North Peace Pride Society in northern B.C. is facing a number of charges connected to sex crimes against children.
The BC Prosecution Service says Sean Edward Leonard Gravells is charged with sexual interference, sexual exploitation, possession of child pornography, and distribution of child pornography.
The charges are related to incidents alleged to have happened in December 2023 in or near Fort St. John.
“On December 31, 2023, one of our board members was arrested and is facing severe charges inconsistent with the North Peace Pride Society’s mission and code of conduct,” the North Peace Pride Society said in a social media post Jan. 5, 2024.
“In response to the gravity of the charges, we have immediately removed this person from our board, emphasizing our commitment to our community’s values.”
The society says it took “swift” actions and voted on Jan. 3 to remove the individual from their position.
It adds the charges are limited to the individual only and the society itself is not implicated.
“While some board members work directly with youth through library programs, this person was not among them. All board members involved in youth programs have undergone criminal record checks,” said the statement.
“Moving forward, we remain dedicated to community safety. We are implementing measures such as subjecting all board members to record checks to uphold the highest standards.”
The BC Prosecution Service says Gravells made his first court appearance on Jan. 1.
Gravells was released on $2,000 bail and is due back in court Jan. 29 for an arraignment hearing.
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