MLA J. Kealy made his first court appearance at the Fort St. John provincial courthouse yesterday.
He officially entered a plea of not guilty to a charge of sexual assault today during his first court appearance at the courthouse.
The charge against Mr. Kealy stems from allegations involving events that reportedly occurred between January and September of 2024. These events took place prior to his election to public office in October 2024, when he was originally voted in as a representative for the B.C. Conservative Party in the riding of Peace River North. Mr. Kealy later chose to leave the party to serve his constituents as an Independent legislator.
During the court proceedings, counsel for Mr. Kealy formally requested that the matter be resolved through a trial by judge and jury.
Mr. Kealy, who was originally charged in June, has consistently and firmly maintained his innocence since the allegations were made public.
"I am entirely innocent of these charges," Mr. Kealy stated. "I look forward to the opportunity to clear my name, and I fully intend to prove my innocence in a court of law."
The court has scheduled Mr. Kealy's next appearance for August 10, 2026, which will also take place in Fort St. John. Mr. Kealy remains committed to fulfilling his duties to the people of Peace River North throughout the legal process.
News97.ca
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