SURREY RCMP are advising the public of an investigation which has resulted in sexual assault charges being laid against a former church elder and current bus driver.

Brian Batke, 72, of Surrey, has been charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of sexual exploitation.

The allegations stem from incidents which occurred in 2005 and were reported to police in 2017. At the time of these occurrences, the victim was a youth.

Batke was a member of the Cloverdale Christian Fellowship Church from its inception and ended his association with the church in 2005. He has been a bus driver with Coast Mountain Bus Company for approximately 13 years.

Police say details of Batke’s employment and his associations in the community are being released to the public because of their relevance to the allegations against him. Investigators believe there may be further victims who may have had contact with Batke at the church or as a bus passenger, who have not yet spoken with police.

“Speaking with police about a sexual assault can be daunting and takes courage,” says Cpl. Elenore Sturko. “Our investigators are aware of how difficult this process can be for people. We approach our investigations with care and compassion including the assistance of our victim services support workers.”

There is a publication ban in place to protect the identity of the victim and police will not be releasing any further details in order to keep the integrity of the investigation.

Anyone who would like to speak with police regarding this investigation can call Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502.