Winnipeg city councillor Russ Wyatt is facing charges following a sexual assault investigation by police.
In a news release issued Wednesday, the Winnipeg Police Service said its Sex Crimes Unit began investigating in February 2026 after receiving a report from an adult male.
Police allege the incident dates back to December 2025, when the complainant met another adult man through a social website. The two later met in person on multiple occasions.
During one of those meetings at a residence in the city’s east end, police allege the victim was given an illicit drug and sexually assaulted.
The complainant later sought medical attention.
The WPS says that on March 24, Russell George Wyatt, 56, was arrested and charged with sexual assault, and administering a noxious substance with intent to aggrieve or annoy.
He was released on an undertaking and none of the allegations have been proven in court.
Previous assault charges stayed in 2019
Wyatt had previously faced similar allegations from a woman. In July 2018, he was charged in connection with what police at the time described as a “serious sexual assault” alleged to have occurred in January 2018.
Wyatt publicly proclaimed and maintained his innocence when the charges were first laid. In June 2019 the charges were stayed by the Crown.
Following those earlier charges, Wyatt took a five-month leave of absence in 2018 and sought help for alcohol and substance abuse. In June of that year, he also publicly came out as bisexual.
Police say they remain committed to supporting survivors of sexual assault. Resources include Winnipeg Police Service Victim Services at 204-986-6350 and the Klinic Sexual Assault Crisis Line at 204-786-8631.