Canada
This article was added by the user . TheWorldNews is not responsible for the content of the platform.

Michael Thompson sex assault allegations happened at lawyer’s ritzy Muskoka cottage

The Toronto councillor has denied the allegations through lawyer Calvin Barry

Councillor Michael Thompson in Toronto City Hall council chambers on July 19, 2022.
Councillor Michael Thompson in Toronto City Hall council chambers on July 19, 2022. Photo by Jack Boland /Toronto Sun

The Ontario Provincial Police have confirmed that two charges of sexual assault have been laid against Toronto Councillor Michael Thompson.

The allegations stem from events that, according to sources and property records, took place at a property owned by Thompson’s lawyer, Calvin Barry.

From our newsroom to your inbox at noon, the latest headlines, stories, opinion and photos from the Toronto Sun.

By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. You may unsubscribe any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our emails. Postmedia Network Inc. | 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4 | 416-383-2300

In a news release Friday, the OPP said that an investigation began when a woman filed a complaint earlier in September.

“As a result of the investigation, Michael Thompson, 62 years of age, of Toronto has been charged with two counts of sexual assault. The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on Nov. 1, 2022,” OPP said in the release.

Police said no further details would be released to protect the identities of the women involved.

Thompson has denied the allegations through Barry.

“Mr. Thompson will be pleading not guilty and will be vigorously defending against these baseless allegations,” Barry said in an email to the Sun on Thursday evening.

Barry did not respond to a series of questions sent to him Friday regarding at least one of the alleged incidents taking place at a property registered in his name in the Port Carling area.

Criminal defence lawyer Calvin Barry speaks to the media on March 5, 2019. Stan Behal/Toronto Sun
Criminal defence lawyer Calvin Barry speaks to the media on March 5, 2019. Stan Behal/Toronto Sun

The $3-million property was purchased by Barry in March of this year. In July, Thompson was staying at the property when a woman claims the councillor sexually assaulted her.

After a complaint was filed in September, police began an investigation and a second alleged victim was determined. None of the allegations have been tested in court.

Barry was asked directly whether he was present for either of the alleged incidents, whether both alleged incidents took place at his property, and whether he was present and could provide more details. He was also asked whether he was in a conflict in representing someone in a criminal matter when the alleged crimes took place on his property.

As of this writing, Barry has not responded to those questions.

blilley@postmedia.com