By Ashley Burr / CKPG News

Residents shocked and saddened at ex-mayors sex assault charges

Mar 5, 2018 | 2:44 PM

BURNS LAKE — A community is in shock after the former mayor of Burns Lake Luke Strimbold is facing several sexual assault charges stemming back to 2016.

Lake Babine Nation Chief Wilf Adam supported Luke Strimbold’s decision to run for mayor and says he was devastated to hear the allegations.  “It was shocking, we weren’t prepared, it just came up on Friday and just blew up in our community,” says Adam. 

With a population of less than 2000, the impact of the alleged assaults is widespread throughout Burns Lake.

“There is a lot of emotions that bubble to the surface, we are not sure who and how many people we are talking about here,” says Adam. 

In 2011, 21-year-old Strimbold was the youngest mayor ever elected in BC. In 2014 he sought re-election and won, but two years later he stepped down citing a need for more time with his family and business. 

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Burns Lake RCMP believes there could be more victims and are asking them to step forward.