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Former Connective staff acquitted of sexual assault and exploitation charges

Thursday, 21 November 2024 06:00

By Panebi Wilson X @chonfmpwilson

Judge Gurmail Gill found Omale not guilty due to inconsistencies in the complainant's testimony and lack of forensic evidence. 

 A Yukon judge has acquitted Victor Omale, 38, of sexual assault and exploitation charges stemming from allegations of sexual intercourse with a vulnerable Whitehorse client in 2023. 

Following a week-long trial, Deputy Territorial Court Judge Gurmail Gill found Omale not guilty due to inconsistencies in the complainant's testimony and lack of forensic evidence. 

Omale's lawyer, Jennifer Budgell, expressed satisfaction with the verdict, stating her client had always maintained innocence. 

Connective, a non-profit organization operating emergency shelters and housing programs, employed Omale as a support worker.  Omale was fired from the connective for allegations of sexual intercourse with a vulnerable Whitehorse client in 2023.

The complainant, under a publication ban, alleged Omale propositioned her during a supervised outing, but Omale denied these claims, supported by security footage. 

Gill noted concerns with both testimonies but deemed Omale's account 'reasonably capable of being true.'
 

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