INNISFAIL - The Town of Innisfail is closely monitoring the case of one of its councillors facing serious criminal charges, including sexual assault, says mayor Jim Romane.
Donald D. Hill, 29, also faces charges of unlawful confinement, assault and criminal harassment. A publication ban is in place prohibiting reporting on the identity of the complainant or any witnesses.
“As a council we are certainly paying close attention to the situation,” Romane told The Albertan. “We are not the judge and jury and we have to respect the law and let the legal system do its job.
“Certainly it is of concern, but we are not taking sides. Let the system do its job.”
Asked if he is calling for Hill to resign, Romane said no.
The charges against the first-term councillor were laid on Oct. 23, 2020.
There has been widespread public comment on social media about the case, which was first reported in The Albertan on Jan. 19.
Comments include “Tragic behaviour”, “How is he allowed to still be on council?”, “I think you best resign” and “Innocent until proven guilty.”
In a statement to The Albertan, Hill says he plans to fight the charges, which have not be proven in court.
“Every one of these charges is false,” said Hill, noting the alleged offences date back to 2013-2015.
Section 174 (1) of the Municipal Government Act states that a municipal councillor is disqualified from council if he or she is “convicted of an offence punishable by imprisonment for five or more years.”
The Town of Innisfail’s Council Code of Conduct Bylaw does not specifically address situations where a councillor is facing Criminal Code charges.
It does require members to “arrange their private affairs and conduct themselves in a manner that promotes public confidence and will bear close public scrutiny.”
Sexual assault and unlawful confinement each carry maximum sentences on conviction of 10 years in prison.
Hill is scheduled to be in Red Deer Court of Queen's Bench on Feb. 1 for arraignment, when he may be asked to enter a plea.
