Equestrian member accused of sex crimes

A man who police say is a “prominent member of the local equestrian community” has been arrested in Kelowna for allegations of sexual assault and sexual exploitation.

The RCMP Sex Crimes Unit believes there may be additional victims as the accused has been involved in the equestrian community for a number of years.

“Based on this belief, we are asking anyone in the equestrian community who believes they may have also been victim to an offence of a sexual nature, to please come forward and report those incidents to police,” Cpl. Tim Russell with the Kelowna RCMP Vulnerable Persons Unit, said.

The suspect’s name has not been released.

He has been released from custody on conditions of no contact with anyone under the age of 18 as the investigation continues.

“Provided the sensitive nature of this investigation, no additional details will be released at this time,” Russell said.