Latest update in the Jake Virtanen sex assault investigation

The Vancouver Canucks placed forward Jake Virtanen on leave back in May following allegations of sexual misconduct. He was then placed on unconditional waivers on July 25 and cleared waivers. The Canucks then bought out the remainder of his contract.

While Virtanen moved to play in Russia for Spartak Moscow in the KHL, his name is still in the papers in Canada, especially on Friday, when the Vancouver Province reported the latest update on the sex assault investigation. This all started when a woman made allegations against the former Canuck on social media.

The police investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against Virtanen is now in the hand of Crown prosecutors.

“We are waiting to hear back if there will be charge approval or not,” VPD spokeswoman Const. Tania Visintin told Postmedia News.

“It is not concluded. Crown is reviewing the file,” she added. “They could either accept it and push charges through, or suggest other tasks be done before approving it. Or just reject it all together. I won’t really know where it is at until Crown gives us back their review.”

When it comes to Virtanen and the ongoing investigation, the Canucks maintain they won’t comment on the status of the investigation until the team heard more from the police.

A woman has also filed a lawsuit in B.C. Supreme Court against Virtanen, alleging he sexually assaulted her at a West Vancouver hotel in September 2017. Virtanen denied the allegations by filing a response in court, saying their intercourse was consensual. He asked the claim be dismissed and is seeking special costs against the plaintiff due to the nature of the allegations.