(Photo: Town of Innisfail website)

By Sheldon Spackman

Arraignment Pending

Innisfail town councillor facing charges

Jan 27, 2021 | 11:46 AM

An Innisfail town councillor accused of sexual assault is due to be arraigned in Red Deer Court of Queen’s Bench next month.

Donald D. Hill, 29, was charged in October with sexual assault, unlawful confinement, assault, and criminal harassment in relation to alleged offenses occurring between 2013 and 2015.

Hill will be arraigned on those counts on Feb. 1. A publication ban is in place regarding the alleged victim’s identifying information.

rdnewsNOW has reached out to Hill for comment.

Hill was previously charged with mischief – damage under $5,000 in relation to a separate alleged incident on June 28, 2020.

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According to court documents, Hill did not plead guilty to the charge but did enroll in alternative measures, which he completed. The charge was withdrawn on Dec. 15, 2020.

However, in November 2020, Innisfail town council initiated an external, independent investigation of matters associated with council’s upholding of its code of conduct.

Town officials say SAGE Analytics Inc. was appointed to conduct the review, and to ultimately present findings back to council at a later date. A summary report was presented to council during the non-public (in-camera) portion of the Jan. 25, 2021 regular meeting.

Following discussion, the motion below was approved:

“That council receive and consider the SAGE Investigation Report on the Council Code of Conduct matter C-03-2021 involving Councillor Donnie Hill.”

Town officials say council is now considering the information outlined within the investigation report involving Councillor Hill.

In addition, the code of conduct investigation remains ongoing regarding other matters, with the understanding that further information will be presented to council at a future meeting.

Council thanks members of the public for their continued patience as the investigation continues.

Hill is serving his first term on Innisfail town council after being elected in 2017.