Winnipeg city councillor accused of drugging and sexually assaulting man
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WINNIPEG – A city councillor in Manitoba’s capital has been arrested and charged with drugging and sexually assaulting a man he met on social media last year.
Winnipeg police say Coun. Russ Wyatt faces one count each of sexual assault and administering a noxious drug.
The 56-year-old was charged Tuesday after an investigation by the force’s sex crimes unit. Police say a man came forward last month to report that he was given an illicit drug and sexually assaulted.
Police allege the two men connected on a social media website and started meeting in person in December 2025.
“During one of the occasions, they met at a residence in the east area of the city. While at the residence, the survivor was provided an illicit drug and sexually assaulted,” police said in a news release.
“After leaving, he sought medical attention.”
Wyatt’s lawyer, Evan Roitenberg, said his client is innocent.
“We’re not going to try this in the media,” Roitenberg said by phone Wednesday. “We look forward to the opportunity of having a trial.”
Mayor Scott Gillingham called the allegation serious and recommended Wyatt “step away to deal with this matter.”
“The Winnipeg Police Service and the justice system must be allowed to do their job and proceed without interference,” Gillingham said in a statement.
Wyatt was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in 2018. The charge was stayed in June 2019, days before his trial was scheduled to start.
At the time, police revealed few details about the case but described it as a serious sexual assault. Investigators said the complainant was a woman known to Wyatt but not his wife or a city employee.
Wyatt represented the Transcona ward from 2002 to 2018. In early 2018, he took a leave of absence from council to go to a rehab program for substance abuse. He returned to council that May.
Soon after, he came out as bisexual during a Pride parade rally at the legislature.
He successfully ran again for the Transcona seat in 2022.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 25, 2026.
— By Daniela Germano in Edmonton
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