Surrey RCMP is advising the public of an investigation which has resulted in sexual assault charges being laid against a current bus driver.
Brian Batke, 72 years-old from Surrey, has been charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of sexual exploitation.
Batke was also a former church elder at Cloverdale Christian Fellowship Church, and ended his association with the church in 2005.
The allegations stem from incidents which occurred in 2005. They were reported to police in 2017.
At the time of these occurrences, the victim was a youth, and a publication ban has been put in place to protect their identity.
Batke has been a bus driver with Coast Mountain Bus Company for approximately 13 years.
Details of Batke’s employment and his associations in the community are being released to the public because of their relevance to the allegations against him.
Investigators believe there may be further victims who may have had contact with Mr. Batke at the church or as a bus passenger, who have not yet spoken with police.
“Speaking with police about a sexual assault can be daunting and takes courage,” says Cpl. Elenore Sturko. “Our investigators are aware of how difficult this process can be for people. We approach our investigations with care and compassion, including the assistance of our victim services support workers.”
Police will not be releasing any further details in order to keep the integrity of the investigation.
None of the allegations have been proven in court.
Anyone who would like to speak with police regarding this investigation can call Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502.