Recovery society denies previous knowledge of sexual allegations against contractor
50-year-old Adam Haber worked with people recovering from addiction, and New Westminster police say he exploited that position to sexually assault vulnerable victims.
Some of those alleged victims connected with each other through a Facebook group called 'Stop Adam H'.
"A number of victims and survivors got together and shared their stories with each other, gathered their strength and then made their reports to police," said NWPD Sgt. Andrew Leaver.
Haber faces three sex assault charges and made his first court appearance on Wednesday, where a provincial court judge agreed to his release with conditions.
According to police, 11 potential victims have come forward so far and more charges could be added.
Until recently, Haber worked at the Last Door Recovery Society.
The society declined to make anyone available for an interview but did provide CTV News with a statement.
"Earlier this year, the Last Door Recovery Society terminated the services -- without notice and without proven cause -- within 24 hours of being made aware through social media of the serious allegations against an independent registered fitness contractor," the statement said.
Multiple people within the addiction recovery community have told CTV News staff at the Last Door Society were made aware of the serious allegations against Haber on numerous occasions prior to this year but the society continued to employ him.
"From supporting survivors, we know the trauma of a sexual assault can throw someone back into their addiction," said Samantha Grey of the Surrey Women's Centre.
Some accusers in the Facebook group say they first met Haber through Westminster House, an addiction recovery centre for women and girls.
Reached by telephone Thursday, staff at the centre said Haber has never worked there.
CTV News has seen screenshots of Facebook posts from a private group that show Westminster House staff frequently referred people in recovery looking for housing to Haber because of his other job as a property manager.
"I think what this case highlights is not only the way that men use their positions in society to exploit women -- but it also speaks to the resiliency of survivors," said Grey.
New Westminster police believe there may be more victims and are urging them to contact investigators.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.