New charge adds to allegations against sitting councillor
The Winnipeg Police Service says Councillor Russ Wyatt is facing a new sex‑assault charge tied to an alleged incident in October 2023, separate from charges that led to his arrest earlier this year.
Police say the force’s sex crimes unit began investigating the matter on April 25, 2026. According to a Winnipeg Police Service release, the alleged survivor is a man who met Wyatt through social media in July 2023. Investigators say the pair met in person multiple times, and that on one occasion they met at a residence in the city’s southwest where the man was allegedly given an illicit drug and sexually assaulted.
“The new charges are deeply concerning,” Mayor Scott Gillingham said, urging the councillor to step away from his duties while the matters are dealt with.
Wyatt was arrested on Monday and charged with sexual assault and administering a noxious thing with intent to endanger life or cause bodily harm. He was released on an undertaking. CityNews and other outlets say they sought comment from Wyatt’s office and his legal counsel but did not immediately receive a response.
Charges related to earlier alleged incidents and police actions
The new allegations are in addition to charges laid after a March 24 arrest, stemming from an incident police allege occurred in December 2025. In that earlier matter, police say Wyatt met a man via social media, then met the man at a home in the eastern part of the city and allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted him. Those earlier charges included sexual assault and administering a noxious thing with intent to aggrieve or annoy.
Police say a follow‑up investigation led to a search of a residence in the eastern part of Winnipeg on April 2, executed with help from the tactical support unit, during which approximately seven grams of psilocybin were seized. As a result, Wyatt is also facing a charge of possession of a scheduled substance.
Implications for city hall and public trust
The allegations and subsequent charges have drawn attention from city leadership. Mayor Gillingham’s public statement calling the charges “deeply concerning” underlines the seriousness with which city officials are treating the matter. He urged Wyatt to step away from his council duties while the legal process proceeds. Councillors and residents have previously voiced concerns following earlier charges earlier this year, including calls for resignation from some neighbourhood groups.
- Police sex crimes unit opened the new investigation on April 25, 2026.
- Alleged survivor met Wyatt through social media in July 2023.
- New charges filed include sexual assault and administering a noxious thing.
All of the allegations remain before the courts. No finding of guilt has been made in relation to any of the charges.
| Date | Event | Alleged or charged offence |
|---|---|---|
| July 2023 | Meeting via social media | Police allege meetings occurred |
| October 2023 | Alleged incident in southwest Winnipeg | Sexual assault; administering a noxious thing |
| December 2025 | Alleged incident in east Winnipeg | Sexual assault; administering a noxious thing |
| April 2, 2026 | Search of east Winnipeg residence | Seizure of ~7g psilocybin; possession charge |
| March 24, 2026 & Aug. 10, 2026 | Arrests and new charge | Multiple charges now before the courts |
For Winnipeggers, the allegations raise questions about accountability and the procedures in place for elected officials who face criminal charges. The city’s code of conduct and municipal processes for councillors under investigation will play out alongside the criminal proceedings. Community groups, constituents and council colleagues will watch closely as the legal process unfolds.
The Winnipeg Police Service provided the details of the investigation and charges in its release. Media outlets contacted Wyatt’s office and legal counsel for comment but did not receive immediate replies. Court dates and further developments are expected to be reported as they become available.
