Devils’ Michael McLeod charged with two counts of sexual assault amid investigation into multiple NHL players
An alleged sexual assault involving members of Canada’s 2018 gold medal-winning junior team, Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart, New Jersey Devils forward Michael McLeod, Devils defenseman Cal Foote, Calgary Flames forward Dillon Dube and former Ottawa Senators draft pick Alex Formenton has all been accused of sexual harassment amid the investigation.
On Monday, the London Police Service announced at a press conference that McLeod has been charged with two counts of sexual assault, while Hart, Foote, Dube and Formenton have all been charged with one count of sexual assault.
All five players made their first court appearance on Monday.
Thai Truong, head of the London Police Service, described the case as a “long and complex process” and said Monday’s charges were an “important step forward” in the case.
Lawyers representing Hart, McLeod, Foote and Dube announced last week that each player had been charged with sexual assault by London, Ontario police. On behalf of his clients, he has denied that the players have committed any such crime.
Hart’s attorneys Megan Savard and Riaz Sayani said, “He is innocent and will fully respond to this false accusation in the appropriate forum, a court of law.” said in a statement,
Legal representation for McLeod and Dube also stated that their clients would plead not guilty to their respective charges.
,[We] We will vigorously defend this case,” McLeod’s attorneys, David Humphrey and Seth Weinstein, said in a statement, “We ask that the public respect Mr. McLeod’s privacy and the privacy of his family. As the matter is now before the courts, we will not be commenting further at this time.”
Dubey’s attorneys, Lewis Strezos and Kayleigh Davidson, where did it go that his client “maintains his innocence [and] Will defend the allegations in court.”
“We are now aware of an allegation of sexual assault made against Dillon Dube,” the Flames said in a statement after the allegations became public. “We take this matter very seriously. As the matter is now pending legal proceedings, we will not be making any further comment at this time.”
Additionally, Foote’s attorney, Julianna Greenspan, where did it go He said Foote “is innocent of the charge and will defend himself against this charge in order to clear his name.”
Formenton’s attorney, Daniel Brown, said his client is innocent, and he “urges people not to rush to judgment without hearing all the evidence.”
Before the allegations became public, all five players took a leave of absence from their respective teams.
London, Ontario police began an investigation in 2022 after it was revealed that Hockey Canada settled a lawsuit with a woman who alleged that she was sexually assaulted by eight members of the 2018 Canadian World Junior Team following a Hockey Canada Foundation event. Was harassed.
According to court documents, the victim, who was 20 at the time, alleged that a man, “John Doe #1”, took her back to a hotel room, and sexually assaulted seven other men in that hotel room. Invited to join in the acts. , The woman said in the lawsuit that the men asked her to take a shower and said in the recorded message that she was sober.
As a result, the woman sought $3.55 million in damages and ultimately settled with Hockey Canada.
The NHL began its investigation in 2022 and said it would make the results public. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said the league would issue a statement when appropriate.
Both Flyers and Devils granted leave of absence At the end of January he did not give any reason to his players as to why they were being given the award. However, the Flames released a statement saying Dube was taking a leave of absence to deal with his mental health.
