New Glasgow police officer charged with sexual assault: N.S. RCMP

A New Glasgow, N.S., police officer has been charged with sexual assault.

A member of the New Glasgow Regional Police has been charged with sexual assault in connection with an alleged incident that happened nearly two decades ago.

In June 2024, Antigonish County District RCMP says it received a report of a sexual assault that happened during the summer of 2007.

Police say investigators learned a man allegedly sexually assaulted a woman, who was a youth at the time, at an event at a private home.

The force says 38-year-old Cpl. Kyle Lesko of the New Glasgow Regional Police was served with a court summons for one count of sexual assault in April. He is scheduled to appear in Antigonish provincial court on May 21.

The RCMP says Lesko was first arrested in January and was released pending further investigation.

According to the New Glasgow Regional Police, Lesko has been placed on leave effective Monday.

“Sexual assault allegations are serious and need to be treated with respect and sensitivity. Our priority is to ensure that all parties involved are supported through the judicial process,” reads a news release from New Glasgow Regional Police Const. Ken MacDonald.

“Understanding the profound impact these situations can have on individuals and our communities, we are committed to a fair, transparent and impartial approach.”

Police say Lesko was a serving member of the Trenton Police Force and was off duty at the time of the alleged assault.

The investigation is ongoing.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page