Former B.C., Alta., public health doctor guilty of sex crimes against a child
A former medical health officer has been found guilty in Alberta of sexual assault and sexual interference of a child.
Dr. Albert de Villiers, 54, appeared in court Tuesday via video from his home in Kelowna, B.C. He was the top public health doctor in Alberta's north zone for 16 years before he became chief medical officer of health for B.C.'s Interior Health in 2020.
He was arrested in 2021 when he was managing COVID-19 vaccine delivery in British Columbia during the height of the pandemic.
During a judge-alone trial in January, an 11-year-old boy testified de Villiers showed him pornography and touched him several times at the doctor's home in Grande Prairie, Alta., between 2018 and 2020.
The boy, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, disclosed the allegations to his parents two years later.
Court heard De Villiers asked the child if he "knew where babies come from," then proceeded to show him videos.
During his testimony, the child said that his "heart turned black" after seeing the videos and that it "didn't feel right."
The child said that de Villiers told him that he could touch anywhere on de Villiers' body.
De Villiers denied showing the boy pornography and said during his testimony that they once watched a video about the life cycle of marsupials.
"I have significant concerns about (de Villiers') explanations for some of the events," said Court of King's Bench Justice Shania Leonard in her decision. "In relation to those things, I do not believe the accused.
"I find the complainant's evidence to be both credible and reliable."
Leonard said that it was difficult to precisely quantify how many times the child was assaulted.
"I find that sexual touching occurred on at least five occasions and as many as eight occasions," she said.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Feb. 13, where victim impact statements will be heard.
Interior Health has said de Villiers was placed on general paid leave on June 9, 2021, then reassigned to administrative duties four months later.
In a statement on Tuesday, the health region said it was aware of the guilty verdict.
"Given the leadership and public-facing role of the chief medical health officer, and the critical importance for the incumbent to comply with all respects of professional standards, it is Interior Health's position that a person convicted of criminal charges of this nature is unable to fulfil the duties of the position," said the statement.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 7, 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.