Calgary police have charged an elderly man with sexual assault. The accused person was a volunteer sponsor who helped families immigrate to Canada.

According to the police report, the sexual harassment complaint was filed on October 12 and the offenses are alleged to have occurred between December 2023 and June 2024.

Police say the suspect was identified through a local organization as a sponsor for a new immigrant family and allegedly sexually assaulted the victim on three separate occasions.

"It appears that he took advantage of his position as a volunteer sponsor and took advantage of the victim's immigration status to commit the crime," police said in a news release Wednesday.

"We understand the tremendous courage it takes for a victim of sexual harassment to come forward," said Superintendent Keith Horley.

"In these circumstances, we also understand the added fear of the potential impact on the victim's immigration status."

Horley said he was encouraged by the victim's reporting of the sexual harassment.

"We want to assure everyone that reporting a crime will not affect your immigration status."

Robert Edward Choquette, 83, of Calgary, has been charged with three counts of sexual assault.

He is scheduled to appear in court on November 27.

Police ask anyone with additional information about this incident to call 1234-266-403.

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