Former cadet instructor charged with sexual assault: Edmonton police
Posted February 2, 2026 3:30 pm.
Last Updated February 2, 2026 3:31 pm.
Edmonton police say a 37-year-old former cadet instructor has been charged in connection with historical sexual assaults.
EPS says the charges relate to several reports that happened between 2009 and 2016, which indicated that three teenage males were allegedly sexually assaulted on separate occasions by their cadet instructor.
Police took 37-year-old Charles Bernatchez into custody on Jan. 30, where he was charged with two counts of sexual assault, two counts of assault with a weapon, two counts of sexual interference, three counts of sexual exploitation, and invitation to sexual touching.
Bernatchez was released on Monday, Feb. 2, on conditions that include: no contact with complainants, remaining in Alberta, not having any contact with anyone under the age of 18, except incidental contact necessary to engage in everyday transactions, such as at fast food restaurants, etc., and not having or seeking employment or a volunteer position in which he would supervise or be in a position of trust or authority over anyone under the age of 18.
Police note that Bernatchez has been a civilian instructor with the Canadian Armed Forces Cadet program at various times since 2006.
It is also believed that there may be additional victims who have not come forward at this time, and if anyone has any information, they are asked to contact investigators at 780-423-4567 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
