First court appearance for retired Lethbridge police inspector adjourned

The woman who brought sexual assault charges against a retired Lethbridge police inspector, says she hopes that “organizations in Lethbridge that were less than supportive take time to reflect on their roles and commitments in our community.” The woman was referring to her story not being taken seriously initially when she reported it to Lethbridge Police Service. She later reported the incidents to Coaldale RCMP.  

At the time of the unwanted sexual advances in 2017 and 2018, Bill Kaye, had been employed at the Domestic Violence Action Centre (DVAC) and was serving on the board of directors at the Chinook Sexual Assault Centre. The woman, who was 40 years his junior and a victim of domestic abuse, had been seeking help through DVAC and was assigned to Kaye, 63, to help with her case. 

The Southern Alberta District RCMP General Investigation Section took over the investigation, which resulted in charges being laid on March 10, 2022 against Kaye for breach of trust, sexual assault and criminal harassment.

Kaye turned himself in to police the same day and was arrested. Following a judicial hearing, he was released on conditions to appear in Court on March 28th.  The matter was adjourned until April 25th with the Crown elected for indictment on all three counts. 

On Monday, BCN spoke with the woman who brought the charges against Kaye. We have promised to protect her identity but she told us, “I don’t have any definitive emotions, it’s a lot to take in.” Then added, “I hope that organizations in Lethbridge that were less than supportive take time to reflect on their roles and commitments in our community.”