A veteran sergeant with the Saint John Police is facing criminal charges following an investigation.

According to a release from the Saint John Police Force, their Professional Standards Unit received a public complaint against the sergeant on Feb. 20.

On Feb. 24, following an initial investigation and due to the nature of the allegations, the matter was referred to the Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT).

SiRT is an investigative agency, independent of the police, whose mandate is to investigate matters that involve death, serious injury, sexual assault and domestic violence or other matters of significant public interest that may have arisen from the actions of any police officer.

As a result of SiRT’s investigation, the sergeant was charged with sexual assault and breach of public trust.

He was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 13.

The sergeant will be suspended from his duties as a police officer pending criminal proceedings.

Once the criminal court proceedings are completed, an investigation under the New Brunswick Police Act will follow.

Police Chief Robert Bruce said the force holds its members to the “highest standard of accountability.”

“Complaints are taken very seriously and are thoroughly investigated,” Bruce said. “We will remain steadfast in our commitment to work together with our citizens to ensure a safe, secure and healthy community.”