CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — A retired P.E.I. sheriff has been charged with numerous sex-related offences against a male teenager.
Bill Acorn, 83, of Charlottetown has been charged with four counts of sexual assault and six other sex-related offences as well as one count of uttering a death threat and one count of unlawful storage of a firearm.
Acorn’s role in the sheriff’s department would have included executing and enforcing court orders, warrants and writs, participating in seizure and sale of property and performing courtroom and other related duties.
Crown attorney John Diamond says the complainant was 14 when the alleged offences began in 2009.
Diamond says historical sexual assault cases like this one pose a challenge in getting the actual details of the alleged offences.
“They’re difficult – simple as that,’’ he says.
With the absence of any corroborating evidence, he adds, this case essentially boils down to the alleged victim’s word against Acorn's word.
Charlottetown Deputy Chief Sean Coombs says the alleged victim filed a complaint with the Charlottetown Police Services “several months ago". The complaint was investigated by the Major Crime Unit.
Coombs says the complainant is not related to the accused.
Acorn was released on the promise to appear in court. Acorn is expected to have his first court appearance within one week.
More charges are possible, says Coombs.
Acorn hosted the long-running cable television show, "Bill's Country Jamboree", earning him status as a local celebrity. His Facebook page is filled with photos of Acorn posing with well-known entertainers, athletes and politicians, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Acorn is also a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012), which honours significant contributions and achievements by Canadians.
