Warrant officer charged with sexually assaulting 3 women at holiday party

A 44-year-old warrant officer has been charged with sexually assaulting three women following an off-base function in Greenwood, N.S. and RCMPare looking for other potential victims.

Mark Richard Beres of Greenwood is due in Kentville provincial court on Feb. 4.

The alleged incidents happened on Dec. 6. RCMP say employees from CFB Greenwood were at a holiday party in a community facility when, shortly after midnight, two women reported being sexually assaulted.

They brought those concerns to RCMP on Dec. 8. Police arrested Beres the following day.

A third woman came forward on Dec. 11, alleging she was also sexually assaulted at the same event.

Kings District RCMP are encouraging anyone with information to contact them or Crime Stoppers.

Base working with investigators

Beres, who is part of the 14 Mission Support Squadron,is under a court order not to have contact with any of the complainants. Heis still serving but is working in a different capacity thanusual, said Capt. Matt Zalot, a public affairs officerfor 14-Wing Greenwood.

Zalot said due to the privacy act, hecouldn't comment on ifthe military is taking or considering any other administrative measures.

In a statement, 14-Wing Cmdr. Col. Brendan Cook said he was disappointedbythe charges and took "immediate action to ensure that all those involved are safe, and receive the support they require."

"All allegations of misconduct are taken very seriously, investigated, and addressed where it is appropriate to do so," said Cook.

He said the base would workclosely with investigators as the case proceeds.

In 2015, Canada's Armed Forces launchedOperation Honourto respond to sexual misconduct, bringing in programs to combat inappropriate behaviour, help victims and encourage reporting.