McMaster professor charged with sex assault
A McMaster University science professor has been charged with two counts of sexual assault by Hamilton police.
Scott Watter, a 46-year-old professor in McMaster’s department of psychology, neuroscience and behaviour, is facing charges of sexual assault and sexual assault causing bodily harm for incidents that occurred in 2017 involving a female student.
Police “believe there may be other victims,” according to a Hamilton Police Service media release.
Jeff Manishen, Watter’s lawyer, said the professor “will be defending this matter fully and vigorously.”
“We look forward to challenging these allegations at trial, whenever it may take place,” Manishen said. “In the meantime, it’s important to keep in mind that Dr. Watter is presumed in law to be innocent of the charges.”
Watter, who runs the Cognitive Science Lab at McMaster, has been suspended and barred from campus since February.
Watter has been under investigation by McMaster and Hamilton police following serious allegations that involved a number of university policies, including the sexual violence policy.
A spokesperson for McMaster said the university became aware of the criminal charges Thursday.
“Only the police are able to comment on the charges that have been laid,” said spokesperson Wade Hemsworth.
Hamilton police received a report from the university about the case in February.
On Feb.19, an email was sent to the department and affected students by Maureen J. MacDonald, Mac’s dean of science.
“The university has responded quickly and every measure is being taken to investigate the allegations and to provide support,” MacDonald said in the February email.
“The safety and security of students and all members of the McMaster community are paramount and, in addition to the suspension, the faculty member is no longer allowed to access campus,” MacDonald added.
In her message to faculty and students, MacDonald noted undergraduate courses were reassigned and the faculty planned to work with graduate students to ensure their studies wouldn’t be interrupted.
Hamilton police indicate people in need of confidential support can call the Sexual Assault Centre Hamilton Area (SACHA) 24-hour support line at 905-525-4162.
McMaster is advising anyone who needs assistance to consult the university’s sexual violence protocol at svpro.mcmaster.ca while the student wellness centre can be contacted via wellness.mcmaster.ca.