Following an investigation by the Inuvik RCMP detachment, an employee of the Beaufort-Delta Education Council has been charged with multiple sexual offences alleged to have occurred in Inuvik and Ulukhaktok between 2018 and 2020.
Richard Steven McKinnon (Age 44) of Inuvik was arrested by the Inuvik RCMP detachment on August 5th, 2024 for multiple sexual offences. McKinnon has since been charged with two counts of Sexual Assault, Sexual Interference, two counts of Sexual Exploitation, Invitation to Sexual Touching, Making Sexually Explicit Material Available to a Child, Assault, and Breach of Trust. MacKinnon has since been released on conditions to appear in territorial court on September 24th, 2024 at 9:30 A.M in Inuvik.
At the time of his arrest, McKinnon was identified as the Assistant Superintendent of the Beaufort-Delta Education Council.
Investigators feel that due to the nature of the McKinnon's position in these communities, there may be additional victims. Anyone who feels they could be a victim, or has concerns about someone else who could be a victim, is encouraged to contact your local RCMP detachment or police of jurisdiction or Crime Stoppers at http://www.p3tips.com. RCMP would like to express that anyone wishing to speak with police can contact them and discuss an incident before deciding to further participate in the investigation and court process.
Parents, guardians and adults in positions of authority should keep an eye out for indicators that a child or youth is being targeted and to report the incidents to their local police. If you believe someone is in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1.