THUNDER BAY – The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS) have charged a former Canadian Forces Medical Technician for incidents alleged to have occurred while he performed medical exams at a Naval Reserve unit in Thunder Bay and at the Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre in London.
Ex-Petty Officer, 2nd class (PO 2) James Wilks was charged with the following:
- four counts of Sexual Assault, contrary to section 130 of the National Defence Act, and pursuant to section 271 of the Criminal Code; and
- ten counts of Breach of Trust, contrary to section 130 of the National Defence Act, and contrary to section 122 of the Criminal Code.
It is alleged that between 2002 and 2009, the accused performed medical examinations on CF recruits and serving members contrary to prescribed medical procedures. In September 2010, the CFNIS laid nine charges against Ex-PO 2 Wilks in relation to similar incidents.
The alleged victims of these new charges came forward after the Military Police made a public appeal for other possible victims to step forward. Military Police again ask that anyone who believes they may also have been victimized contact them at 1-705-423-1497.
“Sexual assault is not tolerated in the Canadian Forces and all incidents that are brought to the attention of the Military Police are thoroughly investigated so that the facts may be uncovered and, when necessary, that charges are laid,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Delaney, Commanding Officer of the CFNIS.