Man charged after roommate with disability was sexually assaulted, Calgary police say

A Calgary man with an intellectual disability was sexually assaulted last year by a person entrusted to help him, police say.

The 50-year-old man now facing charges was considered a "supportive roommate" to the victim, and is accused of touching him sexually many times last summer.

"At the time of the alleged offences, the victim relied on the offender for care and support, which puts them in a position of authority over the victim," Det. Adam William of the Calgary Police Service said in a statement.

"We take these reports very seriously as we understand that people with disabilities are more vulnerable to this type of crime."

It's critical for alleged victims not to remain silent, a disability advocate says.

"We encourage all victims of sexual assault to report any allegations of misconduct to the Calgary Police Service," said Kelly Holmes-Binns, CEO of Vecova, which provides programs and services to Albertans with disabilities.

"It's really important to protect our most vulnerable citizens."

Robert Wilton was charged Monday with sexual assault and sexual exploitation of a person with a disability, police said in a release.

Wilton is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 2.