Man charged in sex assault case involving ‘faith-based institution’

An Edmonton man is facing criminal charges after a Saskatoon police investigation into sexual assaults that allegedly occurred between 2008 and 2012.

According to police, the alleged victim came forward in August with the allegations.

“The victim, a minor at the time, and the accused were known to one another through their affiliation with (a) Saskatoon faith-based institution,” police said in a statement.

Police said a 46-year-old Edmonton man is now facing charges of sexual assault and sexual exploitation of a minor while in a position of trust or authority.

The alleged perpetrator wasn’t named by police, but court information identified him as Aaron Benneweis.

He turned himself in on Tuesday, police said, and was released from custody to appear before a Saskatoon court next month.

According to the alleged victim, who spoke with 650 CKOM on the condition of anonymity, Benneweis was the athletic director at Saskatoon’s Legacy Christian Academy, a faith-based school.

The victim is one of more than a dozen students involved in a class-action lawsuit against 22 individuals affiliated with Mile Two Church and Legacy Christian Academy (previously known as Saskatoon Christian Centre and Christian Centre Academy). Benneweis was named in the lawsuit.

The plaintiffs in the lawsuit are seeking more than $25 million for alleged breach of fiduciary duty, negligence, assault, battery, infliction of mental suffering and conspiracy to injure minors.

Police reminded the public of the duty to report any suspected sexual abuse of minors.

“If you believe a minor may have been sexually abused or exploited, the Saskatoon Police Service reminds members of the public of their legal responsibility to report it to the Ministry of Social Services, First Nations Child and Family Services, local police, or the Saskatoon Police Service,” the police service said.