Cpl. Derrick Gallagher faces 18 new charges in sex assault probe

A member of the Canadian Armed Forces appeared in court on Thursday facing 18 new charges as part of an expanding sexual assault probe.

• Cpl. Derrick Gallagher of Petawawa facing 8 sexual assault charges

Cpl. Derrick Gallagher had been arrested March 31, and then charged with eight counts of sexual assault and two counts of voyeurism just days laterin relation to alleged incidents dating back to 2007.

An Ontario Provincial Police investigation began March 29 after a woman complained to them, police said. That week, their evidence led them to eight alleged victims in the town of Petawawa, Ont.

On Thursday, Gallagherwas charged with eight more counts of sexual assault, nine more counts of voyeurism and one count of assault.

He made a brief court appearance in Pembroke, Ont., via video from theOttawa-CarletonDetention Centre and his case was adjourned untilApril 24. That's when he will once again appear via video.

The 31-year-old infantryman with the1st BattalionRoyal Canadian Regimentjoined the military in December 2005, and served in Afghanistan from September 2008 to April 2009.

All of the alleged incidents happened during his time with the military.

OPP said theyknow of 18 victims and arestill trying to identify50 other womenthey believe are victims.

They said those women, who may have been drugged and do not know whether or notthey were assaulted, could be anywhere in the country.

Police saidmore womenfrom both Ontario and Quebec came forward after the initial charges were announced, and they're asking anyone else with information to contact them at613-735-0188.