A Nova Scotia RCMP officer, Constable William McNutt, is facing a new charge of sexual assault, adding to multiple sex-related offences he is already contesting. As reported by the Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT), the new allegation came to light when a woman disclosed that she had been sexually assaulted by McNutt in May 2024. The two individuals involved were known to each other, which adds another layer of complexity to the case.
The charge of sexual assault was officially laid on Monday, and McNutt is scheduled to appear in provincial court in Shubenacadie in August. This latest development follows a series of serious allegations against the officer, which SiRT had already acted upon in the previous year. In January 2024, after the RCMP received multiple allegations of sexual misconduct related to incidents that occurred in 2023, McNutt was suspended from his duties.
Subsequently, SiRT charged McNutt with three counts of sexual assault, uttering threats, and overcoming resistance to commit an offence, showcasing the severity of the claims against him. Notably, the decision to lay these charges came after thorough investigations that aimed to uphold accountability and integrity within the police force.
Furthermore, it was revealed that McNutt is also facing additional charges stemming from an alleged sexual assault incident that occurred in the summer of 2019. This accumulation of allegations raises significant concerns regarding McNutt's conduct while serving as an officer and highlights the pressing issue of sexual misconduct within law enforcement.
The situation demonstrates the ongoing commitment of the SiRT to address such serious matters, ensuring that all claims are investigated promptly and thoroughly. As the judicial process unfolds, the implications of these charges not only affect McNutt's future but also impact public trust in law enforcement agencies.