Edmonton’s police accused the head of the Tsuut’ina nation, 71, Roy Whitney, of sexual assault in relation to alleged crimes against two men decades ago.
Police said in a press release issued Thursday afternoon that the first crime occurred in “the first months” of 1994, when a 33 -year -old man was sexually attacked “in the 178 Street and 87 Avenue area in Edmonton.”
It is alleged that the second crime occurred in “the summer of 2005,” said the police, when a 38 -year -old man was sexually assaulted “in the Stony Plain Road area and 178 Street in Edmonton.”
Police say that they were initially alerted to the 1994 incident in November 2024. While investigating, they realized the 2005 incident and launched a separate investigation into that incident in May of this year.
“The plaintiffs, both of the Tsuut’ina nation, are known by the suspect but unknown to each other,” said the police.
Whitney was arrested by Edmonton police on Wednesday and accused of two positions of sexual assault.
Whitney ‘unequivocally’ denies the charges
Whitney’s lawyer Jim Lutz told CBC News on Thursday that his client cooperated with police investigation.
“For a man who has spent his life working for the nation, these are devastating accusations and those he firmly denies,” Lutz said.
“Any participation with these individuals in any type of criminal capacity is completely denied and intends to defend vigorously in these positions.”
In a written statement, Whitney said the accusations against him are “unfounded.”
“I unequivocally deny these accusations: they are false and without merit,” said the boss. “I have dedicated my life to serve the people of Tsuut’ina with honesty, respect and commitment. That work will not stop. I will continue fulfilling my responsibilities as a boss, focusing on the needs of our community and the priorities we have established.”
“I believe in the truth and in due process, and I will cooperate completely with any legal procedure to ensure that the facts are clear,” Whitney added. “Until that time, I ask our citizens and the public to retain the trial and avoid speculation.”
‘There may be additional demanders’
“We understand that crimes of this nature can be disturbing for community members, especially when they belong to people who were in positions of authority and who often trust leadership and guidance,” Det. Brian McGuigan, from the Sexual Aggression section of the Edmonton Police Service, said in the press release.
“Given the historical nature of these occurrences, our researchers are letting the members of the public know that it is fine to present and share their experiences with us. We want to make sure to investigate any additional report of events that occurred in Edmonton so that we can be part of a significant healing for this community and those that may have been harmed by this individual.”
Edmonton’s police also said that “there may be additional demanders” and is asking “anyone who believes that he has been a victim of the defendants” who communicate with them to 780-423-4567 or marking #377 from a mobile phone.
The Edmonton Police said the Calgary Police Service helped investigations.
Tsuu’tina Nation is located in the limits of the city of southwest Calgary.
