Toronto councillor Michael Thompson charged with sexual assault, his lawyer says
Longtime Toronto councillor Michael Thompson has been charged in connection with a sexual assault investigation.
Lawyer Calvin Barry, acting on behalf of Thompson, told CP24 on Thursday the alleged incident occurred in Muskoka in July 2022.
Thompson will be fighting the case "vigorously," Barry said, adding the allegations were made by two women.
He noted that 62-year-old Thompson has a court date on Nov. 1 in Bracebridge.
In a news release issued Friday, the Ontario Provincial Police confirmed that Thompson is facing two counts of sexual assault after a report was filed this month alleging sexual assaults had taken place at a private residence.
OPP said they will not be providing further details to protect the identity of the victims.
In a statement on Thursday evening, Tory said Thompson has stepped down as one of his deputy mayors after being charged by the OPP.
"I take sexual assault allegations and charges against any individual very seriously," he said.
"While the councillor is facing these charges, it would not be appropriate for him to continue serving as a deputy mayor or chair of a standing council committee. He has agreed and will be resigning those positions effective immediately."
Thompson was a member of Tory's executive committee and the chair of Toronto's Economic and Community Development Committee.
He is running for re-election in Ward 21 Scarborough Centre.
CP24 has reached out to Thompson for comment but has not heard back.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning as explosions could be heard near a major air base near Isfahan, raising fears of a possible Israeli strike following Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.