The chief medical officer for interior health in B.C is under arrest and has been charged with sex crimes against a minor, police said.
Alberta police said Dr. Albert de Villers, aged 52, was taken into custody last Tuesday by police in Kelowna.
Grande Prairie RCMP said they started investigations into the matter on the 28th of May after they received a report detailing sexual offenses against minors between 2018 and 2020. Special investigations were tasked with investigating the case.
De Villiers worked in Grande Prairie, northwest of Alberta, for over 16 years, as lead officer for the AHS’ north zone, based on information on his LinkedIn profile.
Trained in south Africa, he has served under Interior Health for a year and has been vocal in organizing COVID-19 response.
Interior Health Spokesperson stated Tuesday they could not comment on the matter but an interim chief officer would be brought in Wednesday to served the remaining days of the week, then Dr. Sue Pollock will take over next week.
De Villers will remain under custody until he taken to court for his bail hearing.
