Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Oct 13/03) - The mayor of Taloyoak is facing several criminal charges, including sexual assault.

An arraignment hearing for David Aqqaq was held at the Nunavut Court of Justice in Iqaluit Oct. 9.

Aqqaq has been charged with four offences -- sexual assault, home invasion and two other charges related to unlawful presence in a dwelling. The charges stem from an incident involving an elderly female victim on Aug. 3, 2002.

RCMP in Taloyoak and hamlet officials wouldn't comment about the charges.

The RCMP would only confirm that the mayor has indeed been charged.

A jury trial has been scheduled for Feb. 23 in Taloyoak. It's expected the trial will take approximately two days.