It is alleged that in the early afternoon of Jan. 20, 2021, an off-duty police officer encountered an adult female acquaintance, and during that encounter committed a sexual assault.

The evidence gathered during ASIRT’s investigation provided reasonable grounds to believe that an offence had been committed. As is required by the Police Act, the investigation was forwarded to the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service (ACPS) to determine whether the evidence met the standard for prosecution.

Following a review of the investigation and having been advised that the Crown was of the opinion that the evidence met their standard for prosecution, ASIRT executive director Susan Hughson, QC, made the determination that the involved officer should be charged. On Feb. 24, Cst. Samuel Sanson, 38-years old, was arrested, without incident, and will be charged with one count of sexual assault. The officer was released on an undertaking with conditions and is scheduled for first appearance on March 23, 2021 in Edmonton Provincial Court.

Questions regarding the officer’s duty status should be addressed to EPS.

As this matter is now before the courts, no further information will be released. 

ASIRT

This release is distributed by the Government of Alberta on behalf of the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team.