A Grande Prairie man accused of sexually assaulting a minor has plead guilty. A trial for Brett Merkley was scheduled for last week, but instead he entered guilty pleas to two charges of sexual assault and sexual contact with a child.
The 22 year old was arrested this spring after a young woman reported an unwanted sexual encounter that had happened roughly two years prior. There is no statute of limitations on sexual assault in Canada.
The girl was a minor at the time, and was still underage when she came forward. Her identity is protected by a publication ban. Merkley will be sentenced on November 4th.