Complaints from N.L. of sexual assault by 'travelling doctor' who examined RCMP recruits

Police in St. John's are investigating a historical sexual assault complaint dating back to 1981 against a doctor employed by the RCMP.

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary's child abuse and sexual assault section says individuals came forward in February of this year with complaints of sexual assault.

Those complaints were prompted by a national report on an investigation conducted by Halifax Regional Police, about allegations of sexual assault by a doctor performing medical exams on prospective RCMP recruits.

"We believe that the same doctor — I guess it was a travelling doctor — who may have done some work in Nova Scotia also had done some physical examinations for police candidates in this province," said RNC Const. Geoff Higdon.

Higdon wouldn't specify the number of complaints the RNC has received, but said it's alleged the incidents took place in the St. John's area, between 1981 and 2003.

"It's not necessarily people who were successful candidates … it may have been someone who applied to the RCMP and perhaps either did [or did not] get in. And you know given the dates they could be retired at this point," Higdon told CBC Radio's On The Go.

As of March 23, the RNC said there have been no charges and the investigation is ongoing.

The RNC added it has "no reason to believe there is any risk to the general public."

Anyone who believes they were sexually assaulted by the doctor is asked to contact the RNC at 709-729-8000.