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
Air quality alerts issued as wildfire smoke spreads east from Western Canada
Wildfires have led Environment Canada to issue air quality advisories for parts of B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories, as forecasters warn the smoke could drift farther east.
Steal a car, lose your driver's licence under new Ontario proposal
Repeat car thieves may face lengthy license bans under proposed changes to Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act.
Ellen DeGeneres addresses the 'hurtful' end of her talk show in new stand-up set
Ellen DeGeneres is reflecting on how her talk show came to an end in her newest Netflix special, 'Ellen's Last Stand ... Up Tour.'
When you have a moment's notice to evacuate, what do you take?
Knowing what to have at home, or take with you for an evacuation, can be useful and even life-saving.
LIVE UPDATES Michael Cohen will face a bruising cross-examination by Trump's lawyers at the hush money trial
Donald Trump’s fixer-turned-foe returns to the witness stand Tuesday for a bruising round of questioning from the former president’s lawyers.
B.C. brings in law on name changes on day that child killer's new identity revealed
The BC NDP have tabled legislation aimed at stopping people who have committed certain heinous acts from changing their names.
Risks of handcuffing someone facedown long known; people die when police training fails to keep up
For decades, police across the United States have been warned that the common tactic of handcuffing someone facedown could turn deadly if officers pin them on the ground with too much pressure or for too long.
A healthy lifestyle can mitigate genetic risk for early death by 62%, study suggests
Even if your genetics put you at greater risk for early death, a healthy lifestyle could help you significantly combat it, according to a new study.
Sunchips, Munchies recalled by Frito Lay Canada for possible salmonella contamination
Frito Lay Canada is recalling two of its most popular snacks due to a possible risk of salmonella contamination.