The chief medical health officer in Interior Health has been released from custody with a number of conditions one day after he was charged with sex crimes.

Dr. Albert de Villiers, 52, was arrested in Kelowna yesterday and charged with sexual assault and sexual interference against a minor. RCMP say it comes after allegations involving a child in Grande Prairie, Alta. between 2018 and 2020.

Prior to moving to Kelowna in August of last year, de Villiers was the lead medical health officer for Alberta Health Services’ North Zone, based out of Grande Prairie, a position he was in for 16 years, according to his LinkedIn profile.

He spent the night in custody and made a brief court appearance in Kelowna by phone this morning. Details about that hearing are protected by a publication ban.

As part of his bail conditions, NL News has confirmed that de Villiers was required to surrender his passport to the RCMP.

His conditions also include not going near or contacting any witnesses or victims in the case. de Villiers is also not allowed to be in the presence of anyone under the age of 16, unless with an approved person. He also has to avoid public parks, community centres, schools, daycares, and other places where people under the age of 16 might be, unless with an approved person.

A failure to comply with these conditions could result in a $1,500 charge, along with possible additional breach of probation charges.

This morning, Interior Health removed de Villiers’ name from its website. His next court appearance is scheduled for Grande Prairie on June 30.

Allegations are concerning, but impact to healthcare delivery expected: Minister Dix

B.C.’s Health Minister says the allegations against Dr. de Villiers are “obviously concerning”, but he says there will no impact on the delivery of healthcare in the region.

Adrian Dix also says starting Monday, Dr. Sue Pollock will be in charge as police continue to investigate “serious charges” laid against Dr. Albert de Villiers.

“The [individual is] now on leave and we’re limited about what we can say as it works its way through the judicial system,” he said. “It’s obviously a police matter and we are limited in what we can say. But what I can say is this won’t distract us at all in Interior Health from protecting people from COVID-19.”

Until Dr. Pollock takes over next week, Dr. Rob Parker will be the lead CMHO for Interior Health until Friday.

“She’s an outstanding leader and I have full confidence in her and I know she’ll continue to demonstrate and work hard as we continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic in Interior Health and indeed across British Columbia,” Dix added.