Snowbirds pilot charged with sexual assault

A pilot with the Canadian Forces Snowbirds has been charged with sexual assault.

On Saturday, the Royal Canadian Air Force announced that a pilot with the Moose Jaw-based aerobatic demonstration team had been grounded over allegations of sexual misconduct.

On Monday, the Canadian Press reported that the pilot – Maj. Steve Hurlbut – was charged with sexual assault in connection with an incident that allegedly took place last week in Barrie, Ont.

The allegation was made by another member of the Snowbirds team.

The charge was laid Saturday by military police, the Canadian Press reported, and the case has been turned over to the civilian justice system.

Hurlbut’s plane – the 9 Jet – will remain grounded until another pilot completes the necessary training to take over.

–With files from The Canadian Press