Former Alberta Conference Pastor Accused of Sexual Offenses Against Minors
17 April 2021 | Brad Dahr, a former Adventist pastor who was working for Vegreville’s Seventh-day Adventist Church in Alberta, Canada, is facing allegations of possessing and distributing child pornography and luring a child.
CTV News reported that Dahr, 53, was charged on April 15, saying law enforcement seized electronics, documents and clothing from an Edmonton home this week.
“He is accused of sexual offences over two years against teenage girls he knew.”
Dahr is charged with two counts of sexual interference and one count of voyeurism related to incidents between Jan. 1, 2018, and Oct. 31, 2019.
As well, he faces charges of sexual exploitation, luring a child, possessing child pornography, distributing child pornography and making sexually explicit material available to a child in 2020,” said the report.
The Canada Police Report suspects there could be more victims in the following areas across Western Canada:
Edmonton, Vegreville, Drumheller, Beiseker, and Beauvallon, Alberta.; the Lower Mainland, British Columbia; and Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.
“Anyone with information is asked to call Vegreville RCMP at 780-631-2750, their local police, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477,” said the CTV News report.
Adventist Today reached out to the Canadian Adventist National Headquarters about the allegations against Dahr and received the following statement from the Alberta Conference:
The Alberta Conference Administration became aware of allegations of sexual misconduct against Mr. Dahr on October 31, 2020. On November 1, 2020, the Conference accepted his resignation and immediately implemented required protocols by contacting police and provincial authorities. Conference administration also revoked Mr. Dahr’s ministerial credentials at that time.
The police and provincial authorities launched formal investigations. The Alberta Conference cooperated and continues to do so with the police and provincial authorities on the matter.
The Alberta Conference takes the safety of minors, our members, and the communities we serve seriously. All workers and volunteers must have criminal and vulnerable sector background checks before working with children or youth. The Alberta Conference maintained such background reports for Brad Dahr during his employment.
The conduct of Mr. Dahr immensely saddens us. Our hearts go out to all the victims, families, and communities affected by his egregious behaviour. We will continue to offer our help and support to those affected and encourage all individuals to come forward whenever misconduct is present.
Eric L. Ollila
Communication/IT/Media Director
Alberta Conference
Image: Alberta RCMP are distributing a photograph of the accused at approximately the time of these offences.
