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New prosecutor for sheriff sex case

New special prosecutor named in legal action against former Kamloops deputy sheriff
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A photo posted by Creep Hunters in 2016. - File photo.

British Columbia’s Prosecution Service says a new special prosecutor has been named to lead the case against a former deputy sheriff charged with sexual offences.

Vancouver lawyer Brock Martland will take over from Michael Tammen, who was recently appointed to the B.C. Supreme Court.

The prosecution service says Martland will conduct an independent review and assessment of the charges faced by Kevin Johnston, who was charged last September with three counts of communicating with an underage person for a sexual offence.

A news release from the prosecution service says a charge of invitation to sexual touching was recently stayed.

The former sheriff was charged following allegations from the online vigilante group, Creep Hunters.

Creep Hunters, which is operated out of the Okanagan, publicly alleged that Johnston attempted to engage in a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl.

The alleged offences are said to have occurred between Aug. 8 and Aug. 27, 2016, at or near the cities of Kamloops and Kelowna.

Johnston is expected to return to court on July 6 in Kelowna to set a date for trial.