Repeat Offender Pleads Guilty to Sexual Assault of Person Under 16 at Kelowna Facility

A high-risk sex offender has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a person under the age of 16 at an equestrian facility in Kelowna, B.C., earlier this year.

Taylor Dueck, 30, admitted to the February 9 assault and breaching his probation orders. Prosecutors stayed a charge of invitation to sexual touching. Dueck was sentenced to two years, less a day, in jail, with 240 days remaining after credit for time served. He will also face 24/7 house arrest during a three-year probation period following his release and will be listed on the national sex offenders' registry for life.

Outrage Over Lack of Public Notification

The case sparked outrage in February, as Kelowna RCMP did not issue a public notification about Dueck's presence in the community, despite his documented high risk to reoffend.

Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth ordered an investigation into the RCMP's decision not to warn the public. At the time, RCMP stated that a public disclosure order was not met "based on the totality of the circumstances."

The Parole Board of Canada previously ruled in October 2022 that Dueck posed a high risk of reoffending against both strangers and acquaintances, especially those he perceived as vulnerable. The board made its decision while reviewing Dueck’s application for parole after a conviction for sexually interfering with a 10-year-old child, a crime he committed less than two months after completing a four-and-a-half-year sentence for sexual assault and sexual assault with a weapon.

In past cases, both Mission Police and Abbotsford Police issued public warnings about Dueck’s potential to reoffend.

Community Safety Concerns

The assault at the Kelowna equestrian facility reignited public concern about how authorities manage the risks posed by repeat offenders.

Kelowna RCMP’s decision not to issue a public notification was criticized by community members and advocates, who questioned the criteria used to determine whether a disclosure is necessary.

The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General has been asked for updates on the investigation into the handling of the case. CBC News has also contacted Dueck’s legal representation for comment.

Related Developments:

• The Public Safety Ministry’s investigation into the Kelowna RCMP’s actions remains ongoing.

• Advocates continue to call for stricter protocols for managing high-risk offenders in communities.

The case has renewed calls for a reassessment of public notification thresholds and greater transparency in protecting vulnerable populations.