Addictions recovery worker accused of multiple sex assaults: New Westminster police
For years, rumours have swirled in the addiction recovery community about an employee preying on vulnerable people in narcotics anonymous programs in New Westminster -- and on Tuesday, police made an arrest.
Fifty-year-old Adam Haber faces three counts of sexual assault involving three different victims and dating back as far as 2012.
"Mr. Haber's employment put him in direct contact with people who were in a vulnerable stage in their lives," said Sgt. Andrew Leaver of the New Westminster Police Department. "That definitely gives him access to numerous victims that are going through recovery."
According to Leaver, 11 alleged victims have spoken with police in an ongoing investigation that could lead to more charges.
Police say many of the alleged victims found each other through a Facebook group called 'Stop Adam H' which was set up by people concerned by his behaviour.
Sarah Burfoot also works in addiction recovery and tells CTV News she has been trying to sound the alarm about Haber for years.
"It's important to me because I want to support anyone who has been affected by the behaviours of Adam Haber and hold people who do harm accountable," she said outside the courthouse in New Westminster.
Haber made his first appearance Wednesday and a provincial court judge released him on bail with several conditions, including that he not have any contact with his alleged victims.
Haber also worked as a personal trainer and a property manager.
Police believe there may be more victims who have not yet spoken to investigators and they encourage those people to reach out.
"Our investigators are trained in trauma-informed practice," said Leaver. "And our victim assistance unit is here to support survivors through this process."
Burfoot said she and others are also prepared to help anyone who may wish to come forward.
"It's a very empowering process. It's also very validating to finally be heard, to be taken seriously and to be believed," Burfoot said.
Outside court, Haber's lawyer declined to comment on the charges.
Anyone with information about this case or who has been the victim of a sexual assault is asked to call the New Westminster Police Department's Major Crime Unit Tip Line at 604-529-2430 or send an email to mcucrimetips@nwpolice.org.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.