Former Citadel Theatre worker and U of A instructor charged in sexual assault of teen girl
Patrick Charles Howarth was arrested on Oct. 26, 2021, and charged with sexual assault and sexual exploitation. Police released a photo of Howarth to encourage other victims to come forward. (Provided.)
Update: Patrick Charles Howarth was acquitted on all counts.
A 49-year-old man has been charged in connection to multiple sexual assaults against a teenage girl in the early 2000s.
The Edmonton Police Service started investigating the historical sexual assaults in August 2021. It was reported to police that between March 2006 and September 2007, the accused began a relationship with and sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl on multiple occasions.
Patrick Charles Howarth was arrested on Oct. 26, 2021, and charged with sexual assault and sexual exploitation.
Howarth was working as an actor and fight captain with the Citadel Theatre between March and June of 2006, and in an instructional role at the University of Alberta’s Department of Drama from January to March in 2007, police said. He was in his mid 30s at the time. Investigators believe there may be additional victims.
In a Nov. 2 statement, U of A deputy provost Wendy Rogers said Howarth had acted as a non-academic lecturer, research assistant and speaker in the drama department and was currently registered as a graduate student.
She added the school was "dismayed" at the news and cooperating with investigators.
"We have taken steps to ensure the safety of our students and community. We are working closely with the Edmonton Police Service as they continue to investigate. The U of A will also be reviewing this matter and our protocols for any areas where we can learn and improve."
Citadel Theatre's artistic and executive directors, Daryl Cloran and Sarah Pocklington, told CTV News Edmonton in a written statement on Nov. 3 they were also working with police.
"We had previously established an independent third-party contact for people who may have concerns about violence of any kind within our theatre community and we are in the process of re-establishing this service for anyone who may wish to reach out with concerns.
"The Citadel Theatre stands with all survivors of sexual violence, and will continue to offer any support we can to survivors, their families or anyone else who is impacted by violence of any kind in our community.”
Other victims and others with information are asked to contact the EPS or Crimestoppers, or submit an anonymous tip online.
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