New trial date expected for retired officer

The trial for a retired Lethbridge police officer accused of sexually assaulting a woman in Lethbridge several years ago has been cancelled.

William Kaye was set to stand trial for two weeks starting Monday in Lethbridge Court of King’s Bench, but the matter was brought forward and vacated a few weeks ago when it became evident a witness would be unavailable.

The case returned to court for arraignment on April 8, but was simply adjourned to May 13 when a new trial date may be scheduled, or the matter may be adjourned again for further discussions between the Crown and the defence.

Kaye, 64, elected in September 2022 to be tried by a Court of King’s Bench judge and jury. He is charged with breach of trust, sexual assault and criminal harassment, stemming from alleged offences between December 2017 and April 2018 while the accused was involved with the Domestic Violence Action Team.

Police reported they began an investigation after a woman came forward with several claims involving a former Lethbridge police officer.

The accused turned himself in to the RCMP in March and was arrested. He was released on conditions shortly afterward and scheduled for subsequent court hearings, which were initially adjourned for defence to receive disclosure.

Kaye resigned in February 2021 from his positions on the Domestic Violence Action Team and from the board of the Chinook Sexual Assault Centre amid accusations of an unwanted sexual relationship. He retired as an inspector with the Lethbridge Police Service in 2014 after serving with the department for 35 years.