Calgary bar owner Grant Cichacki facing 6 more sexual assault charges

Sexual assault charges laid against bar owner A Calgary bar owner has been charged with multiple sexual assault offences. Stephanie Thomas explains.

A Calgary bar owner accused of sexually assaulting an employee is now facing more charges after six additional women came forward.

Police announced in October that 42-year-old Grant Lee Cichacki had been charged with the sexual assault of an employee, explaining the victim had attended a social function with Cichacki, her manager, downtown on Dec. 27, 2022, before the alleged attack took place.

Police said the victim was transported to a downtown residence where she reportedly lost consciousness and was subjected to unwanted, non-consensual sexual acts.

On Thursday, police said since October, more victims have come forward to report similar experiences.

Cichacki is now facing an additional six counts of sexual assault.

Police say the incidents happened between 2006 and 2019, and all involved coworkers, employees and acquaintances.

Corporate registry documents show Cichacki is a co-owner of Watchman's Pub, located in the 1100 block of 17 Avenue S.W., as well as both Fiddler's Courtyard and Nixx Neighbourhood Pub on Edmonton Trail.

Both Watchmen's Pub and Nixx Neighbourhood Pub said in Dec. 15 social media post that Cichacki is "no longer an owner."

"I want to thank the victims who came forward with information," said Staff Sgt. Tom Hanson on Friday.

"Because of them, we were able to further investigate this file. Anyone who believes they are the victim of sexual assault is encouraged report it to police, even if years have passed since the incident."

In a statement sent to CTV News, one of Cichacki's accusers says she was sickened to learn she was not the only victim of assault.

"[My sexual assault] happened years ago and I thought I was the only one," said the woman, who cannot be named.

"I hope the other victims who haven’t come forward see this and know you aren’t alone. What he [allegedly] did to you was not okay. What he [allegedly] did to us was not okay. It was wrong. And he needs to be stopped so no other women have to go through this."

The father of another accuser, who also cannot be named, said his daughter is forever changed.

"What he [allegedly] did to my daughter has broken her spirit, happiness, innocence and at times will to live," he said.

"All we can do is our best to support and help her to survive this horrible attack so she can move forward and begin to heal."

None of the allegations have been proven in court.

Anyone with information about any of these incidents or any similar incidents is asked to contact police by calling 403-266-1234.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers.