The BC Prosecution Service has appointed a special prosecutor to oversee the case against a former Burns Lake mayor.
Luke Strimbold was arrested February 3rd and charged with a number of sex-related offences.
The BC Attorney General’s office has appointed senior Vancouver lawyer Leonard Doust as Special Prosecutor.
In a news release, the office says the appointment is meant to avoid the potential for any real or perceived improper influence in the administration of justice.
It cites the nature of the charges and the fact that Strimbold held municipal office as well as what it calls “significant connections” to the BC Liberal Party.
Doust will conduct an assessment of the current charges, make the charging decision he deems appropriate and handle the prosecution and any subsequent appeal if he chooses to proceed with prosecution.
None of the allegations against Strimbold have been tested in court.
