BC Mayor charged with sexual assault returns to work

Rob Vagramov, the mayor of Port Moody, BC who stepped aside after being charged with sexual assault, has returned to work.

According to the BC prosecution service, Vagramov’s sexual assault charge is still before the court, with the next court appearance scheduled for Thursday.

The Crown and Vagramov’s lawyer have extensively discussed the case since he took a voluntary leave of absence back in March.

Vagramov told reporters on Monday that his indictment has been “starkly reduced to a summary matter,” and that the Crown along with his legal counsel, are now exploring options to resolve the charges without the need for a trial.

The charges were laid by the prosecution service in March of 2019, after it was alleged that Vagramov had committed an assault in Coquitlam in 2015.

While Vagramov did deny the allegation, he stopped collecting a salary in June during his leave of absence, after being criticised by Port Moody residents.

"Admittedly, this matter is and has been an absolute nightmare for myself, my partner and my family. At the same time, my absence from city hall has been a regrettable burden on city business," said Vagramov.

"From this point forward, this process should no longer require the level of involvement and attention that it once did. And as such I no longer require the leave granted to me from my responsibilities at city hall."

Vagramov said he is “excited to back” and that he has been in contact with Port Moody’s city manager and executive leadership team to arrange his return.

Vagramov will resume some of his regular duties including heading several committees, however, a councillor will continue to fill in for him as chairman of the police board until the case is concluded.

With files from the Canadian Press