Former army cadet instructor charged with sexual assault of teen boys

A former instructor with the Canadian Armed Forces cadet program has been charged with assaulting teenage boys.

A former army cadet instructor has been charged with sexual assault in connection to several historic events and police are searching for other possible victims.

The Edmonton Police Service received a report that between 2009 and 2026, three teenage male cadets were sexually assaulted on separate occasions by their cadet instructor.

On Friday, Charles Bernatchez, 37, was arrested and charged with:

• two counts of sexual assault;
• two counts of sexual assault with a weapon;
• two counts of sexual interference;
• three counts of sexual exploitation; and
• invitation to sexual touching.

Bernatchez was released from custody on Monday with the following conditions:

• not to have contact with complainants;
• remain in Alberta;
• not have any contact with anyone under the age of 18, except incidental contact necessary to engage in everyday transactions, such as at fast food restaurants, etc.;
• not have or seek employment or a volunteer position in which he would supervise or be in a position of trust or authority over anyone under the age of 18.

Police say Bernatchez was a civilian instructor with the Canadian Armed Forces cadet program at various times since 2006.

Investigators say there may be other victims.

Anyone who has information about Bernatchez is asked to contact EPS at 780-423-4567 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.