WINNIPEG — A sitting municipal councillor in Winnipeg has been arrested and charged in connection with an alleged sexual assault, according to police.
Russ Wyatt, who represents the Transcona ward, was taken into custody Tuesday and formally charged with sexual assault and administering a noxious substance.
Police say the investigation began in February after a complaint was filed. According to investigators, the alleged victim met another man through a social media platform and had multiple in-person meetings in December 2025. During one of those encounters, the victim was allegedly given an illicit substance and sexually assaulted at a residence in the city’s east end.
Authorities confirmed the individual sought medical attention following the incident.
Wyatt, 56, has been released on an undertaking. The allegations have not been tested in court.
In a brief response, Wyatt declined to comment on the specifics of the case but indicated he still plans to attend an upcoming council meeting. His lawyer, Evan Roitenberg, stated that Wyatt maintains his innocence and intends to contest the charges in court.
This is not the first time Wyatt has faced similar allegations. In 2018, he was charged with sexual assault involving a different complainant; however, that charge was later stayed. According to Manitoba Justice, charges may be stayed when there is no reasonable likelihood of conviction or if proceeding is not in the public interest.
Wyatt has had a long political career, previously serving as councillor from 2002 to 2018 before taking a leave of absence and later returning to office following the 2022 municipal election.
No court date has yet been announced, and it remains unclear whether legal proceedings will conclude before the next municipal election scheduled for October.
The case is expected to draw significant public attention as it proceeds through the judicial system.