2 Canadian Forces reservists based in Ottawa charged with sexual assault

The headquarters of the Department of National Defence is pictured in Ottawa on April 3, 2013. (Adrian Wyld / The Canadian Press)

Two Canadian Armed Forces reservists based in Ottawa are facing charges in connection with an investigation into allegations of sexual assault that occurred nearly 30 years ago.

The Canadian Forces Military Police said on Wednesday that an investigation was launched in 2025 into allegations of sexual assault that occurred in 1997.

On Tuesday, Chief Warrant Officer Stephane Marleau and Master Warrant Officer Gareth Webb were each charged with one count of sexual assault under the Criminal Code of Canada, according to military police.

Military police released no other information about the investigation.

Marleau and Webb are primary reserve members currently serving with the Governor General’s Foot Guards in Ottawa.

“The Canadian Army cooperated fully with police investigators throughout the course of the investigation,” Brig.-Gen. Vanessa Hanrahan, Canadian Forces Provost Marshal, said in a statement.

“Should the charges proceed to prosecution, the members will be tried in the civilian criminal justice system. As with all judicial proceedings, the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”

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If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis:

• Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety.
• The Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres' website has a comprehensive list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling. 
• The Ending Violence Association of Canada‘s website has links to helplines, support services and locations across Canada that offer sexual assault kits.
• Indian Residential School Survivors Society crisis lines: [phone] or [phone] (24/7)
• Toronto Rape Crisis Centre crisis line: [phone] (24/7)
• Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: [phone] (24/7)
• Trans Lifeline: [phone]
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 988 (24/7)
• Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre for current and former Canadian Armed Forces members: [phone]
• Read about your rights as a victim on the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime website.