Red Deer Pastor Stan Schalk has been given a 90-day conditional sentence order which includes a 30-day period of house arrest, followed by 12 months probation.
Schalk, 58, was found guilty of one count of sexual assault last fall.
Judge Darrell Riemer handed down his sentence in Red Deer’s Provincial Court Wednesday which also included Schalk being put the sex offender list for 10 years as well as an order for DNA.
Sentencing submissions were given on Dec. 19th where the crown asked for four to six months of incarceration as well as 12 months probation, while the defense asked for a conditional discharge.
The offense took place between June 15th-30th, 2015.
The victim, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, was working for Schalk at his residence doing some painting and staining. Court heard the job was offered to her after Schalk learned the victim was in need of financial help.
During the victim’s testimony, she recounted an incident where her and Schalk embraced in his kitchen and he ran his hands down her back and grabbed her buttocks.
The victim testified she told Schalk to not do that again.
“(He) was put on notice (after this incident),” said Riemer. “His conduct was not welcome and not consented to.”
She also testified about an incident in which Schalk drove her near Delburne without telling her where they were going. She said in that instance, Schalk took her to a favourite spot of his where they had a picnic lunch and where he touched her left breast.
Schalk admitted to the incident happening on the stand, but said the picnic was something that was previously planned between the two and the events following were a case of two people going too far.
In regards to the incident that happened in Schalk’s kitchen where he touched the victim’s buttocks, Riemer said Schalk was evasive and self-serving and that his testimony in relation to that specific incident was not credible.
“This was not a major sexual assault but the significant aggravating factor was the breach of trust from the complainant,” said Riemer. “In the complainant’s victim impact statement it reads there is significant emotional harm and a feeling of being betrayed, manipulated and violated. Her children have part of their mother missing. The complainant has flashbacks and nightmares.”
Riemer added the court also received documents from Schalk’s wife who described him as a exceptional husband and father. The two have been married for 38 years.
Riemer continued that Schalk says he has a weakness for women and when helping women he develops a level of intimacy that is not healthy.
“I observe this is a sad day for you and your family, Mr. Schalk. I hope you continue to exercise the gifts you have for the community and your family. I also trust that this court will not see you again.”
efawcett@reddeerexpress.com
