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Snowbirds pilot charged with sexual assault after alleged incident in Barrie

The Canadian Forces Provost Marshal's office says it began an investigation on June 14
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The Canadian Forces Snowbirds perform at Airshow London's Skydrive, a drive-in airshow in London, Ont., Friday, Aug. 27, 2021. Snowbirds pilot Maj. Steve Hurlburt has been charged with sexual assault after an alleged incident in Barrie, Ont., last week. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Geoff Robins

OTTAWA — Snowbirds pilot Maj. Steve Hurlbut has been charged with sexual assault after an alleged incident in Barrie, Ont., last week.

The Canadian Forces Provost Marshal's office says it began an investigation on June 14.

Military police laid the charge on Saturday, but a media advisory the same day made no mention of charges and did not name the individual involved.

Officials said on the weekend that the allegation was made by another member of the aerial acrobatics team.

The military says case has now been turned over to the civilian justice system.

Hurlbut flew lead solo on the 9 Jet for the nine-aircraft team, but his plane will be grounded until another pilot has the training needed to take over.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 19, 2023.

The Canadian Press