A senior British Columbia interior health official declined to speak to Global News after he was released from custody on charges of alleged child sex crimes.

Dr. Albert de Villiers was released from the RCMP division in Kelowna on Wednesday afternoon after a brief telephone appearance in court at the Kelowna Courthouse.

“No comment. At this point, I want to speak to my lawyer first,” he said.

Alberta RCMP said Dr. Albert de Villiers, 52, was arrested Tuesday in Kelowna for sexual assault and once sexual interference.

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Mounties received a report of sexual offenses against a child on May 28, 2021 for incidents that allegedly occurred between 2018 and 2020.

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“The Grande Prairie RCMP special investigation unit, with the support of the Grande Prairie Caribou Center, has launched an investigation into the allegations,” said RCMP on Tuesday evening.

De Villiers was released subject to conditions under a $ 1,500 release order.

Dr. Albert de Villiers has been released from the prison of the RCMP #Kelowna division. Our cameraman Dan Couch asked for a comment shortly after he was released. pic.twitter.com/ufhsWHVQOo

– Jules Knox (@Jules_Knox) ​​9. June 2021

He must not be in the presence of anyone under the age of 16 or visit public places such as parks where children may be unless accompanied by an approved person.

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De Villiers must also hand in his travel documents.

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His next trial is scheduled for June 30th in Grande Prairie.

Dr. Albert de Villiers crouches behind a vehicle while on the phone after being released from police custody on Wednesday.

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None of the allegations have been proven in court.

De Villiers was Chief Medical Health Officer at the Interior Health Authority (IHA) and took over the role in August 2020.

He became a high profile figure attending weekly media briefings to guide the region through the COVID-19 pandemic.

1:16Interior Health top doctor arrested

Interior Health top doctor arrested

On Wednesday, BC Health Secretary Adrian Dix said the health agency’s response to the pandemic would not be hampered by the shocking allegations.

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Dr. Sue Pollock has been named interim chief medical health officer.

The Interior Health and British Columbia Department of Health did not respond to inquiries about de Villiers’ employment status.

However, his name has been removed from the health authority’s website.

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De Villiers was the senior medical health officer for the North Zone at Alberta Health Services, based in Grande Prairie, at the time of the alleged crimes, according to his LinkedIn page.

He spent 16 years in this position, from January 2004 to July 2020, before leaving.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) declined to comment on Wednesday, citing the ongoing legal process.

– With files from Jules Knox

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