RCMP officer accused of sex assault against 9-year-old child

A veteran RCMP officer in Manitoba was arrested on the weekend in connection to the sexual assault of a nine-year-old child.

The 55-year-old officer, who has 26 years of service with the RCMP, was arrested Sunday and has been charged with sexual assault and sexual interference.

The Brandon Police Service is conducting the investigation into the allegations.

They said RCMP asked them to take over the investigation, but they are being assisted by the RCMP Winnipeg Major Crimes Unit.

The incident reportedly occurred Sept. 26 nearthe town ofAshern, located about 165 kilometres north of Winnipeg.

The officer, who is from theArborg area, was not on duty at the time.

He has been chargedwithsexual assault and sexual interference and released on what Brandon police describe as "appropriate, police-imposed conditions."

He is to appear in provincial court inAshernNov. 19.

Police are not releasing the suspect's name.